Fidan: Türkiye-Bulgaria energy, security ties of ‘strategic importance’

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that increasing natural gas transmission capacity from Türkiye to Bulgaria is of “strategic importance not only for bilateral relations but also for the energy security of Eastern Europe.” Speaking to the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA), Fidan emphasised close coordination between the two NATO allies on security, energy, and regional stability. Existing infrastructure is insufficient to meet rising demand, and additional investments on the Bulgarian side are necessary.

Energy and connectivity projects

Fidan noted that both countries are working on updating the BOTAŞ‑Bulgargaz agreement on a win‑win basis and aim to advance a comprehensive energy cooperation framework. He also highlighted the “Green Energy Transmission and Trade” project involving Türkiye, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, and expects feasibility studies to start soon. The two countries aim to finalise new electricity interconnectors that would increase transmission capacity by 700‑1,100 megawatts. Transport projects include a second railway crossing and the Black Sea Highway Project. The Middle Corridor and Development Road position Bulgaria as a gateway to European markets.

NATO and regional security

Fidan stressed that recent developments in the Middle East have demonstrated “how rapidly the security environment can change.” Türkiye and Bulgaria, as key partners on NATO’s southeastern flank, are evaluating additional steps to strengthen air and missile defence. Joint mine‑clearing operations in the Black Sea with Bulgaria and Romania are also underway. Fidan reiterated that Türkiye’s EU membership remains a “strategic priority,” noting bilateral trade reached approximately $233 billion in 2025. More than 2.8 million Bulgarian tourists visited Türkiye in 2025.