An official Bulgarian delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister Ivaylo Zafirov, began its visit to Dushanbe, Tajikistan, with a working meeting with the Tajik Minister of Labour, Migration and Employment, Kholmahmadzoda Soleha. The three-day visit includes a series of bilateral meetings aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two countries.

As part of the visit, Minister Zafirov is also scheduled to deliver a speech at the High-Level International Conference on Glacier Preservation, taking place in Dushanbe on 30 May.

According to the Council of Ministers’ press office, Zafirov is the first Bulgarian official to visit Tajikistan in 18 years, and only the third since diplomatic relations were established 32 years ago. Notably, no bilateral international agreements have been signed between the two countries during this period.

In recent years, Tajik nationals have increasingly sought employment in Bulgaria, particularly in the construction sector. The Bulgarian Construction Chamber notes that Tajik workers are held in high regard for their strong work ethic. They are sought after for roles such as formwork carpenters, construction machinery operators, general labourers, and also for more skilled positions.