The expansion of transport, energy and digital connectivity between Bulgaria and Turkiye will contribute to the economic development, stability and security not only of the two countries but also of the whole of Europe. This is what President Rumen Radev said at a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkiye, Hakan Fidan, who is on a formal visit to Bulgaria. Fidan also identified the deepening of the connectivity between the two countries as a priority.
Radev highlighted the joint work during the caretaker government to expand the capacity of the Capitan Andreevo checkpoint and the memorandum signed with Turkiye on a second railway line Yambol - Lesovo – Elhovo - Hamzabeyli - Edirne. Given the change in global supply chains, strengthening our transport links and increasing the capacity of the crossing points will give a new impetus and perspective to the trade and economic cooperation for the whole region of Central and Southeastern Europe, Rumen Radev said.
The Bulgarian Head of State highly appreciated that in the midst of the energy crisis in Europe, Turkiye provided this country with timely access to the Turkish LNG terminals, which prevented Bulgaria from having trouble in booking slots. The President also stressed the importance of the "Solidarity ring" project, proposed by Bulgaria and promoted by the European Commission, for the transmission of Azeri gas to the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, which also opens up opportunities for Turkiye in this direction.
Security partnership was also discussed during the meeting. Rumen Radev and Hakan Fidan noted the good cooperation between Bulgaria and Turkiye in securing the common border and countering illegal human trafficking. They shared the view that the two countries should also strengthen their cooperation to limit the adverse impacts of the Russian Federation's war against Ukraine for the whole region, but stopping hostilities and establishing a lasting peace is the most sustainable solution.