Turkish FM Fidan meets Bulgarian PM Radev in Sofia

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan was received by Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev during his visit to Sofia on Friday, according to diplomatic sources. The meeting took place as part of Fidan’s official trip to the Bulgarian capital. No further details about the content of the talks were immediately provided.

Bilateral context

The meeting comes at a time when Türkiye and Bulgaria are seeking to strengthen economic and energy cooperation. Bulgaria is a key transit country for Turkish natural gas exports to Europe, and the two countries have cooperated on migration management and border security. Bulgaria also hosts a significant Turkish minority. Fidan’s visit may have addressed the implementation of the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) extension, security along the Bulgarian-Turkish border, and coordination on EU-Türkiye relations.

Türkiye’s regional role

For Türkiye, maintaining good relations with Bulgaria is strategically important, as Sofia holds the rotating presidency of the EU at times and can influence Türkiye’s EU accession process. The meeting also comes amid heightened regional tensions due to the Iran war, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and the war in Ukraine. Bulgaria is a NATO member and has supported Ukraine; Türkiye has balanced its NATO commitments with its own mediation efforts. Fidan’s visit likely included discussions on Black Sea security and grain exports.