Sofia: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has emphasized the strategic importance of increasing natural gas transmission capacity from Trkiye to Bulgaria, highlighting its significance for Eastern Europe's energy security and bilateral relations. In an interview with the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA), Fidan discussed the close cooperation between the two NATO allies on security, energy, and regional stability.
According to Anadolu Agency, Fidan underscored Trkiye's growing role in supporting Bulgaria's energy supply security, especially after recent disruptions in regional gas flows. He stressed the need for additional investments in Bulgaria to expand the current infrastructure, which is inadequate to meet escalating demand. Both countries are working on updating the BOTAS-Bulgargaz agreement based on a 'win-win principle' to enhance a comprehensive energy cooperation framework, covering gas infrastructure expansion and interconnections.
Trkiye values the 'Green Energy Transmission and Trade' project involving Trkiye, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, with feasibility studies expected to commence soon. Additionally, Fidan mentioned plans for new electricity interconnectors to boost transmission capacity and transportation projects to enhance regional connectivity.
In terms of security, Fidan highlighted strong NATO cooperation between Trkiye and Bulgaria, focusing on border security, early warning systems, and intelligence sharing. He pointed out recent Middle East developments illustrating the changing security environment and emphasized NATO's deterrence role. Both countries are prepared to consider further steps to enhance air and missile defense capabilities.
Fidan also discussed regional initiatives, including Black Sea cooperation with Bulgaria and Romania on mine-clearing operations and NATO deployments. He reiterated Trkiye's commitment to EU membership, describing it as a 'strategic priority,' and noted the importance of economic and trade relations with the EU, Trkiye's largest trading partner.
He reported that Trkiye-EU trade volume reached about $233 billion in 2025, with bilateral trade with Bulgaria approaching a $10 billion target. The modernization of border crossings and infrastructure projects supports this growth, alongside increasing Turkish investment interest in Bulgaria and rising tourism flows.
Fidan highlighted the strategic significance of political stability in Bulgaria for the broader Balkan region, essential for advancing long-term projects in energy, logistics, and security. He noted the Turkish minority in Bulgaria as a 'bridge of friendship' and a guarantee of democratic stability.
Finally, Fidan spoke on broader regional connectivity, emphasizing Trkiye's strategic importance in East-West corridors and Bulgaria's role as a European gateway. Both countries are collaborating on new electricity interconnections, railway links, and digitalized border management systems to boost transport efficiency and capacity, enhancing opportunities for regional and global trade.