Erdoğan, Bulgarian president discuss bilateral ties ahead of NATO summit PHOTO

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with Bulgarian President Rumen Radev at the Presidential Complex in Ankara to discuss bilateral relations and key regional and international developments ahead of the 2026 NATO Summit, the Turkish Presidency said.

According to a statement from Erdoğan’s office, the leaders reviewed the progress of cooperation between Türkiye and Bulgaria across several sectors, including trade, transportation, defence, and energy, Caliber.Az reports.

Cumhurbaşkanımız Sayın Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, NATO Liderler Zirvesi (#NATOsummit) için Ankara’da bulunan Bulgaristan Başbakanı Rumen Radev’i Cumhurbaşkanlığı Külliyesi’nde kabul etti.

Liderler, Türkiye-Bulgaristan ikili ilişkileri ile bölgesel ve küresel gelişmeleri ele aldı.… pic.twitter.com/49fiyooGk8

— T.C. İletişim Başkanlığı (@iletisim) July 6, 2026

Erdoğan said relations between the two neighbouring NATO allies continue to deepen, adding that both countries are working to further expand collaboration in areas of mutual interest.

The Turkish president also highlighted the role of the Turkish community in Bulgaria in strengthening bilateral ties and expressed appreciation for what he described as the Bulgarian authorities’ constructive approach toward the community.

The meeting also touched on broader regional and international issues, although the Turkish Presidency did not disclose further details.

During the talks, Erdoğan invited Radev to attend the COP31 United Nations climate summit, which Türkiye is set to host.

By Sabina Mammadli