Armenian National Assembly Deputy Speaker Aram Vardevanyan met Bulgarian Ambassador Nikola Nikolov to discuss prospects for developing the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Vardevanyan highlighted the historical foundations of Armenian-Bulgarian relations and thanked Bulgaria for its support for Armenia’s European integration process. He also emphasized the importance of further developing cooperation between the two countries’ parliaments.
Nikolov said Armenian-Bulgarian cooperation was built on strong historical and cultural ties and highlighted the contribution of the Armenian community in Bulgaria to relations between the two countries.
The ambassador also referred to the Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership between Armenia and Bulgaria, signed in Yerevan on May 3, 2026. According to Nikolov, the declaration marked an important milestone in bilateral relations and established a shared vision for deepening mutually beneficial cooperation.
Nikolov emphasized the importance of interparliamentary ties and described Armenia as a reliable economic partner, reaffirming Bulgaria’s readiness to continue long-term cooperation.
The two sides also discussed the significance of launching a new air route between Yerevan and Sofia. They noted that direct air links could contribute to the development of trade, economic, cultural and tourism ties.
Vardevanyan said Armenia and Bulgaria had considerable untapped potential for economic cooperation.
The deputy speaker also thanked Bulgarian representatives for supporting a European Parliament resolution that called for the release of Armenian Christians it described as unlawfully detained in Azerbaijan.
During the meeting, Vardevanyan briefed the Bulgarian diplomat on domestic political developments in Armenia and discussed regional security and the peace agenda. The talks also covered challenges related to the rule of law and strengthening democratic institutions.
Vardevanyan also presented a healthcare legislative initiative developed by the Strong Armenia parliamentary faction and formally submitted for consideration. The proposed regulations are aimed at developing Armenia’s healthcare system and improving access to affordable medicines, drawing on approaches applied in the European Union.
The sides also discussed a legislative initiative proposing amendments to Armenia’s Criminal Code, with Vardevanyan presenting its main objectives and proposed provisions.
Grisha Tamrazyan, head of the National Assembly’s Armenia-Bulgaria Friendship Group, also attended the meeting.
