Turkish FM to visit Bulgaria for talks on energy, security, regional issues

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is scheduled to pay an official visit to Bulgaria on June 11, where he will hold talks aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and discussing key regional challenges.

According to sources within Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry, the discussions in Sofia will focus on expanding cooperation in strategic sectors including energy, transport, connectivity and the defence industry, as well as exploring new opportunities for bilateral partnership, Caliber.Az reports per Turkish media.

Fidan is expected to underline the importance of close coordination between the two neighbouring NATO allies in promoting stability and prosperity in the Balkans. He is also expected to discuss the importance of ensuring uninterrupted freight and passenger transit through Bulgaria, a key route for Türkiye’s land transport links with Europe.

Relations between Türkiye and the European Union are also expected to feature prominently on the agenda. According to Turkish officials, Fidan will reaffirm Ankara’s commitment to its long-standing goal of EU membership and highlight the importance of Bulgaria’s support in that process.

Regional security issues are also set to be discussed. The Turkish foreign minister is expected to reiterate Türkiye’s support for diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a just and sustainable resolution to the war between Russia and Ukraine.

In addition, Fidan is expected to highlight the significance of the joint mine-clearance initiative launched by Türkiye, Bulgaria and Romania in the Black Sea, which aims to improve maritime safety and protect commercial shipping routes.

The visit will also address developments in the Middle East. Turkish officials said Ankara will stress the importance of continued negotiations between Iran and the United States, emphasising diplomacy and dialogue as the preferred means of resolving regional disputes.

Fidan is also expected to raise concerns over the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, including reported ceasefire violations and the need to ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance to civilians.

By Sabina Mammadli