Your Excellency, since you took up your post as Ambassador in Sofia in May 2024, how do you assess the current state of bilateral relations between Turkey and Bulgaria?
Bulgaria is one of our most important partners. The Turkish and Bulgarian authorities maintain intensive dialogue and cooperation in areas such as economic cooperation, energy connectivity and diversification, infrastructure, border security, the fight against cross-border criminal networks and illegal migration.
Thanks to the comprehensive and effective measures taken by the Turkish authorities in cooperation with Bulgarian partners, the migratory pressure on Bulgaria's external border with Turkey has decreased by about 70 percent in the last two years. Our dialogue was also key to Bulgaria's full accession to the Schengen area.
The two countries recognize the need to further strengthen dialogue and coordination of their cooperation in bilateral relations, as well as on regional and global issues. The first meeting of the High-Level Cooperation Council was held back in 2012.
We are NATO allies and key partners in the Balkans and the Black Sea region, and our partnership is based on mutual respect and shared interest. Energy security, transport, science, high technologies and the defense industry offer great potential for exchange.
There are many Turkish investors in Bulgaria. The total volume of direct investments from the Turkish private sector in Bulgaria reaches 3 billion dollars.
Our relations are not limited to cooperation on practical issues. We are neighboring countries, but also two friendly peoples, sharing deep historical and cultural ties. Developing these ties is one of the priorities I have set for my mandate in Sofia.
Turks and Muslims in Bulgaria are an important bridge of friendship between our two countries.
Trade, Investment and Economy
Our bilateral trade exceeded $8 billion in 2025. If we maintain the momentum, we can reach the overall goal of $10 billion in the coming years.
Bulgaria is a very important country connecting Turkey with Europe. About 70 percent of Turkish exports by road to European countries pass through Bulgaria, and the EU is Turkey's largest trading partner.
The Kapıkule-Kapitan Andreevo border checkpoint is the busiest land border crossing in Europe. The customs and border police authorities of both countries are demonstrating exemplary cooperation in managing this intense traffic.
We are working with our Bulgarian friends to strengthen the connectivity between our countries and to develop the capacity of our border crossings.
There is huge potential for cooperation in high technology, the defense industry and construction.
Tourism and mobility
Last year we had the pleasure of welcoming over 3 million Bulgarian tourists. Our Bulgarian friends can travel to Turkey with just their ID cards.
The Bulgarian authorities have introduced simplified visa procedures for Turkish citizens and as a result they can now travel to Bulgaria more easily.
We are very satisfied with the state of bilateral tourism relations, but we will develop them even further – qualitatively and quantitatively.
Energy and strategic cooperation
Energy is an increasingly critical issue, especially in light of the international crises of recent years.
In Turkey, the share of renewable sources reaches over 60% of the installed electricity capacity.
Bulgaria is a key player in the transmission of energy to Europe and has over 50 years of experience, especially in the field of nuclear energy.
Culture, education and society
People-to-people contacts are at the very core of our bilateral relations. History, geography, traditions and human mobility between Turkey and Bulgaria are closely intertwined.
Cultural events, academic programs and university exchanges are regularly organized.
Regional Security
Maintaining peace in the Black Sea region and the Balkans is a strategic priority.
Bulgaria and Turkey are NATO allies and work together on security issues, including through international missions and defense cooperation.
Conclusion
Bulgaria and Turkey are not just neighbors, but partners of strategic importance. Economic ties, cultural relations and common security goals shape a cooperation that has the potential to develop even stronger in the future.