Meeting between Ambassador of the Kingdom of Cambodia to the Republic of Bulgaria and Deputy Regional Governor of Stara Zagora Province and lawyer of Sofia

On 29 September 2025, at the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Sofia, a meeting was held between H.E. Mr. CHEA Chanboribo, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Cambodia to the Republic of Bulgaria, Mr. Petko Karagitliev, Deputy Regional Governor of Stara Zagora Province, and Mr. Simeon Yalamov, lawyer.

The discussion covered a wide range of topics, including economics, trade, and regional development.

H.E. Dr. CHEA Chanboribo spoke about his mission in Bulgaria and expressed his wish that during his mandate, Cambodia and Bulgaria would strengthen their partnership through mutually beneficial relations. He emphasized the importance of reviving ties between the two countries at all levels—not only diplomatic and economic, but also through cooperation between businesses and enterprises. His Excellency also highlighted the value of academic exchanges, recalling his own time as a student in Bulgaria and expressing the hope that such programs could be renewed.

Addressing Cambodia’s current opportunities, H.E. Mr. CHEA Chanboribo noted that despite regional challenges, in the face of the border conflict with Thailand, Cambodia has much to offer in terms of exports and imports. He underlined the importance of exchanging information about goods, markets, and trade opportunities as the foundation for expanding bilateral relations.

Mr. Petko Karagitliev presented the economic development of Stara Zagora Province, emphasizing its strong industrial base and the presence of many successful companies. He highlighted a proposed cargo airport project in the province, envisioned as a hub for air transport between Asia and Europe, with dedicated storage facilities for goods.

He also spoke about the region’s cultural and tourism potential. Stara Zagora is rich in Thracian tombs and treasures, while Kazanlak is internationally recognized as the Rose Valley of Bulgaria. Every year at the end of May, the Rose Festival celebrates Bulgaria’s national flower. Mr. Karagitliev stressed that the region combines a dynamic industrial sector with a thriving tourism industry.

Both sides agreed that there are significant opportunities for deepening Cambodia–Bulgaria relations. A future visit by H.E. Mr. CHEA Chanboribo to the Stara Zagora region was discussed, along with the possibility of a meeting with the local Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Simeon Yalamov, a lawyer specializing in administrative and patent law, introduced a platform he is developing to provide transparent information on the prices and taxes of goods from different countries.

In conclusion, H.E. Mr. CHEA Chanboribo reaffirmed Cambodia’s readiness to strengthen international partnerships and emphasized that Bulgaria could serve as a bridge for Cambodia’s relations with Europe. His Excellency proposed establishing a connection between Stara Zagora Province and KomPong Speu Province  , noting their many similarities. Both regions, he observed, are experiencing economic growth and have much to offer in terms of cooperation and exchange.