Vietnam and Bulgaria Promote Nuclear Energy Cooperation

	Strengthening Traditional Friendship Between Vietnam and Bulgaria
	Further Deepening Traditional Friendship between Vietnam and Bulgaria in New Era

Organized by the Bulgarian Atomic Energy Association (BULATOM), this is one of the prestigious specialized forums in Bulgaria and Southeast Europe. The event brought together policymakers, experts, scientists, businesses, and representatives from many international organizations in the field of nuclear energy.

In his opening remarks, BULATOM President Bogomil Manchev emphasized the rapidly increasing global demand for electricity driven by industrialization, digitalization, the development of artificial intelligence, and data centers. He stated that nuclear power continues to assert its role as a crucial base power source due to its ability to provide large, stable electricity output and low carbon emissions. He argued that Bulgaria needs to continue investing in nuclear power development to ensure long-term national energy security, while also praising the prospects of small modular reactor (SMR) technology in the future.

At the seminar. (Photo: Vietnamese Ambassador to Bulgaria)

In her remark, Bulgarian Deputy Minister of Energy Lyubomira Gancheva emphasized that the energy sector is facing complex challenges, from geopolitical instability to rapidly increasing electricity demand due to digitalization and the development of artificial intelligence.

She said that Bulgaria, with a solid foundation with over 50 years of nuclear power development, will continue to implement new projects to ensure a stable, safe, and competitive energy supply. Bulgaria's nuclear energy strategy needs to ensure a balance between energy security, economic efficiency, and sustainable development goals.

Ambassador Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet speaks at the seminar. (Photo: Vietnamese Ambassador to Bulgaria)

Within the seminar's framework, Ambassador Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet presented a paper on "Developing Vietnam's Nuclear Energy: A Strategic Vision for Energy Security and International Cooperation." She noted that, alongside strong economic growth and the country's industrialisation and modernisation process, Vietnam's demand for electricity is expected to continue rising sharply in the coming decades. To meet its development needs, Vietnam is building a diversified, balanced and sustainable energy mix, in which nuclear power has been identified as one of the key solutions for ensuring national energy security and supporting the achievement of the country's net zero emissions target by 2050.

The Ambassador affirmed that Vietnam is pursuing its nuclear power programme with caution and responsibility, while strictly adhering to international standards on nuclear safety, security and non-proliferation. Vietnam is prioritising the study and selection of proven advanced technologies, while also focusing on institutional development, human resource training, strengthening state management capacity, and fostering a culture of nuclear safety.

Highly appreciating Bulgaria's experience in operating the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant and training specialized human resources, she proposed strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the areas of expert training, scientific research, sharing management and operational experience, ensuring nuclear safety, applying digital technology in the energy sector, and researching advanced nuclear technologies. The Ambassador also expressed her hope of working with Bulgarian agencies, associations and businesses to organise a Vietnam-Bulgaria Nuclear Energy Cooperation Forum at the end of 2026, to connect partners and promoting practical cooperation projects.

Ambassador Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet met with Professor Evgeni Stanimirov, Rector of Varna University of Economics. (Photo: Vietnamese Ambassador to Bulgaria)

During her trip in Varna, Ambassador Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet held meetings with representatives from the local academic and business sectors to promote bilateral cooperation in education, training, and human resource development.

In a meeting with Professor Evgeni Stanimirov, Rector of Varna University of Economics, the two sides discussed directions for strengthening cooperation between higher education institutions in Vietnam and Bulgaria, promoting student and faculty exchanges, and expanding scientific research cooperation.

The Ambassador visits the Odessos shipyard. (Photo: Vietnamese Ambassador to Bulgaria)

The Ambassador also visited and met with the leadership of Odessos Shipyard to gain a better understanding of the company's workforce needs and to discuss potential cooperation in training high-quality personnel for the maritime, mechanical engineering and shipbuilding sectors. These are areas in which Bulgaria has considerable expertise and Vietnam has significant demand as it continues to develop its marine economy and manufacturing industry.

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