Exclusive interview with Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova

Editor's Note: China and Bulgaria share a long history of friendship and cooperation, built on mutual understanding, cultural exchange, and expanding economic and educational ties. How can Bulgaria help strengthen connections between Europe and Asia in trade, culture, and education? In this episode of Leaders Talk, CMG's He Yanke sits down with Iliana Iotova, Bulgaria's first female president, to discuss her remarkable journey from journalist to politician and the evolving relationship between Bulgaria and China. President Iotova shares her impressions of Beijing, highlights the importance of mastering languages to understand other cultures, and explores Bulgaria's potential to serve as a bridge between China, the Balkans, and the European Union. This episode delves into Bulgaria's traditions, thriving educational initiatives, and how youth exchanges and cultural diplomacy shape the future. The conversation also uncovers the stories behind Bulgaria's rose essential oil, Thracian gold, and its vision for sustainable development, offering a rare insight into the perspective of a leader dedicated to friendship, dialogue, and global cooperation.