Fidan to begin Bulgaria visit for energy, defence, EU talks

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will begin an official visit to Bulgaria on Thursday for talks aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and discussing regional developments. Fidan, already in Sofia, will represent President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the South‑East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) summit hosted by Bulgaria. On Wednesday, he met Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis on the summit sidelines.

Strategic sectors and EU process

During meetings, Fidan is expected to discuss deepening cooperation in energy, transportation, connectivity, and the defence industry. He will highlight Bulgaria’s key role in overland transport between Türkiye and Europe and convey Ankara’s expectation that goods and passenger movement across the border continue without disruption. He will also outline Türkiye’s EU membership priorities and stress the importance of Bulgaria’s support. On regional issues, Fidan will reiterate Türkiye’s support for diplomatic efforts to resolve the Russia‑Ukraine war and emphasise the value of the Black Sea Mine Countermeasures Task Group.

Gaza, Iran‑US talks, and community engagement

Fidan will warn that Israel aims to create lasting instability in the Middle East and that the international community must be vigilant against Israeli attempts to sabotage Iran‑US talks. He will state that the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical. Fidan also visited the Sofia Higher Islamic Institute, met Grand Mufti officials, and delivered a graduation speech. Bilateral trade exceeded €8.4 billion in 2025, and Bulgaria is home to over 1 million ethnic Turks. Turkey sees Bulgaria as a strategic gateway to Europe and a key NATO ally on its western border.