(September 24, during the Conference in Sofia, representatives signed the Sino-Bulgarian City Friendship Cooperation Agreement. Photo by Lin Hao, Reporter of Xinhua News Agency)
Xinhua News Agency, Sofia, September 24 – On September 24, 2025, marking the 10th anniversary of the signing of the intergovernmental cooperation agreement for the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative between China and Bulgaria, the China Bulgaria Local Cooperation Conference was successfully held in Sofia. The conference was co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria, the Bulgaria National Association for the Belt and Road, and the Bulgarian Cities Alliance. More than 130 participants attended the conference, including officials from 12 Chinese provinces and cities, as well as representatives from over 40 Bulgarian cities, along with figures from various sectors such as economy and trade, education, culture, and other fields from two countries.
The conference focused on the theme of advancing the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind through city-to-city cooperation. Following the opening ceremony, a city salon was held, where representatives from both sides exchanged experiences and explored opportunities for collaboration on issues such as infrastructure, water treatment, smart cities, wellness tourism, green transformation, and cultural education. Throughout the event, several Sino-Bulgarian city friendship cooperation agreements were signed, and multiple bilateral city meetings were held.
