International conference 'Vietnam up close: Heritage, Continuity, Future' in Bulgaria

Hội thảo quốc tế Việt Nam cận cảnh: Di sản, Tiếp nối, Tương lai tại Bulgaria

Professor Reneta Bozhankova, Vice Rector of Sofia University, delivered the opening speech at the conference.

The workshop was organized by Sofia University in collaboration with the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and the Embassy of Vietnam in Bulgaria, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Bulgaria diplomatic relations and the occasion of the two countries upgrading their relations to a Strategic Partnership (October 2025).

The conference attracted more than 100 presentations from scholars, researchers and lecturers from many countries, including Prof. Masaaki Shimizu (Japan), Prof. Schwenkel Christina (USA), along with a team of professors and experts in Southeast Asian studies and Asian studies from Sofia University, and delegates from Vietnam, Japan, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands...

The opening ceremony of the conference was solemnly held at the Central Hall of Sofia University. In her opening speech, Professor Reneta Bozhankova, Vice Rector of Sofia University, affirmed that she always attaches importance to expanding academic cooperation and international cultural exchange. She expressed her delight at the participation of many Vietnamese studies researchers from dozens of countries, with topics ranging from history, language, literature, art, economics , international relations, etc. Professor Reneta Bozhankova emphasized that the conference is an opportunity for Sofia University to strengthen cooperation with Vietnamese studies training institutions in Vietnam and around the world.

Director General of the Department of Bilateral Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Todor Stoyanov awarded prizes for the Writing Competition on 75 years of Bulgaria-Vietnam relations.

Director General of the Department of Bilateral Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Todor Stoyanov expressed his delight at the practical activities celebrating the 75th anniversary of Bulgaria-Vietnam diplomatic relations. He affirmed that the conference has important significance in knowledge exchange, academic exchange, and research cooperation to help enhance mutual understanding between the two countries.

On this occasion, Mr. Todor Stoyanov summarized and awarded the writing contest on 75 years of Bulgaria-Vietnam relations launched by the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Sofia University.

Ambassador Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet spoke at the conference.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet assessed the conference as an important academic activity, demonstrating the special interest and affection of Bulgarian and international researchers towards Vietnam. Accordingly, the theme of the conference opens up a comprehensive and consistent view of Vietnam, a country that both preserves its identity and proactively innovates, creates and integrates.

Recalling the important policy speech of General Secretary To Lam at Sofia University within the framework of his official visit to Bulgaria (October 2025), the Ambassador emphasized that the speech clearly stated the strategic vision for Vietnam-Bulgaria relations in the new era of mutual development, mutual support and steadfastly following the path of peace, independence, self-reliance and prosperity. The Ambassador highly appreciated the efforts of the Organizing Committee, especially the group of lecturers specializing in South, East and Southeast Asia of Sofia University in the preparation process for the Conference.

Keynote speaker Professor Masaaki Shimizu presented a paper on the history of Nom script.

During the Opening Ceremony, delegates visited the painting exhibition of the late painter Docho Dochev, the first Bulgarian to graduate from the Lacquer Department at the Vietnam University of Fine Arts (1960-1965).

During the three-day conference, researchers on Vietnam participated in a total of 16 discussion sessions covering key issues on Vietnam: language, culture, history, archaeology, literature, art, anthropology, Vietnam-Bulgaria relations, heritage management, tourism, religion, political science, digital economy, green transformation, etc. The presentations not only contributed to a clearer positioning of Vietnam's identity in the international research space, but also created a forum for in-depth academic exchanges on sustainable development issues, green economic models, and Vietnam's diplomatic traditions and philosophies in a volatile global context.

Scholars have shared many new perspectives, demonstrating a growing interest in Vietnamese studies. Many studies have also pointed out similarities and overlaps in Vietnamese-Bulgarian history and culture, affirming that the two countries have a favorable foundation to continue to enhance exchanges and build more new “bridges” of cooperation on the basis of trust and common interests.

Delegates attending the International Conference "Vietnam Up Close: Heritage, Continuity, Future" in Bulgaria.

The workshop achieved many important results: Expanding international cooperation in Vietnamese studies research, promoting regular academic exchanges; Strengthening the Vietnamese studies program at Sofia University; and Expanding interdisciplinary cooperation in the fields of heritage, culture, archaeology, digital economy and green transformation... between research institutions of the two countries.

The international conference “Vietnam Up Close: Heritage, Continuity, Future” is not only a large-scale academic activity on Vietnam in Bulgaria, but also a symbol of the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Bulgaria over the past 75 years. The event contributes to deepening the strategic cooperation between the two countries, while positioning Vietnam more clearly in the modern international research space.