On the sidelines of the NATO Summit, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held talks with Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, during which the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, transport, energy, the defense industry, and regional security. The meeting took place amid growing attention from NATO allies to strengthening the Alliance's southeastern flank and enhancing security in the Black Sea region.

According to the Turkish Presidency, the leaders discussed further development of economic ties, increasing bilateral trade, modernizing transport corridors between the two countries, and expanding cooperation in the energy sector. Particular attention was given to joint projects in the defense industry, where Turkiye has significantly strengthened its position in recent years through the development of its domestic defense sector, including the production of unmanned aerial vehicles, armored vehicles, naval platforms, and advanced communications systems.

The two sides also exchanged views on security in the Black Sea, which has become strategically important for NATO since the outbreak of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine. Bulgaria and Turkiye are key members of NATO's southeastern flank and play an active role in regional initiatives aimed at enhancing maritime surveillance, mine countermeasures, protecting critical infrastructure, and ensuring the security of maritime navigation. Ankara continues to play a unique role in the region as the state controlling the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits under the Montreux Convention, while Sofia consistently supports strengthening NATO's collective defense and increasing the Alliance's presence along its eastern flank.

The talks also took place against the backdrop of steadily growing economic cooperation between the two neighboring countries. Turkiye remains one of Bulgaria's largest trading partners outside the European Union, with bilateral trade continuing to increase in recent years. Joint infrastructure projects, the development of road and rail transport through border crossings, and cooperation in natural gas and electricity supplies remain key pillars of the bilateral partnership.

#BULGARIA

#TURKIYE

06.07.2026 02:58