The Minister of Environment and Water Julian Popov had a meeting with the Ambassador of Japan His Excellency Chikahisa Sumi.

During the protocol meeting, topics of mutual interest in the field of environmental protection and opportunities for continuing the traditions of good cooperation between Bulgaria and Japan were discussed.

Minister Popov stated that Bulgaria needs to achieve a larger share of energy from renewable sources. He shared about the active participation by the Ministry of Environment and Water at the international level in the field of environment and climate change.

The expansion of cooperation between Bulgaria and Japan in the field of water resources management, flood protection, climate change mitigation and adaptation were at the focus of the conversation between the two. Regarding renewable energy, Ambassador Sumi noted that Japanese companies have experience in developing environmental solutions for energy efficiency and highlighted the possibility of cooperation in this area.

On the occasion of the upcoming Antarctic Treaty meeting in Hiroshima in May 2026, Minister Popov presented Bulgarian trackrecord of scientific research and its base in Antarctica.

Ambassador Sumi shared about the Green Expo - an upcoming large-scale event in Yokohama, Japan, which will be held from March to September 2027 and invited Bulgaria to present its efforts in environmental protection.

The two sides expressed their readiness to deepen cooperation and discuss possibilities to this end.