The Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan commented to BTA on the political situation in Bulgaria and its impact on bilateral relations, noting that the presence of a stable government in our country is crucial for the implementation of long-term projects between the two states. Before his visit to Bulgaria, which includes participation in a summit within the framework of the Cooperation Process for Southeast Europe (CPSEE) and meetings at the state level, Fidan gave an interview to the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency (BTA). "The fact that there is a strong government in Sofia with a long-term horizon is of crucial importance not only for the prosperity of the country, but also for the stability of the Balkans and the future of our joint projects." This situation will allow for much faster and decisive progress in strategic projects that have been left behind in time, or in those that require long-term planning in the areas of energy, logistics, and security. In addition, the opportunities provided by a stable government are extremely important for the well-being and improvement of the quality of life for both the Bulgarian people and all groups among them, including the Bulgarian Turks with whom we share common roots," said the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs to BTA in Ankara. Hakan Fidan emphasized Turkey's readiness to collaborate with Bulgaria in the field of energy and improving energy infrastructure. "The increase of the capacity of gas supply from Turkey to Bulgaria is of strategic importance not only for our bilateral relations, but also for the energy security of Eastern Europe. Especially when we take into account the growing energy needs of countries in the region, including Ukraine, we see the need to increase the capacity that is currently available. At present, the capacity of gas supply from Turkey to Bulgaria is not sufficient for sending the requested additional volumes. We are aware that additional investments are needed on the part of Bulgaria. We are ready to work together to make them possible," Fidan announced. The Turkish Foreign Minister commented on the possibility of reviewing the contract between the Turkish energy company "Botas" and the Bulgarian "Bulgartransgaz". "Turkey and Bulgaria have always been trusted partners in the field of energy in our region. In addition to bilateral cooperation, the contract between "Botas" and "Bulgartransgaz" includes infrastructure that will contribute to the energy security of Europe. For a long time, this issue has been discussed by the two companies through constructive dialogue. They are in contact to review the contract, guided by the principle of achieving mutual benefits, protecting the commercial and legal interests of both parties, and in accordance with the current situation." Our goal is, by signing a comprehensive agreement for cooperation in the field of energy, which will include increasing the capacity for natural gas transmission between Turkey and Bulgaria, to further develop our relationship," said Hakan Fidan. Transportation connectivity, increasing border capacity and the possibility of opening new border checkpoints were also among the topics identified as priorities in the bilateral relationship in the context of building new transport corridors in the region. "The events of the past years have clearly demonstrated the strategic importance of energy, transportation and communication connectivity. From a security and sustainability perspective, the development of new transportation corridors is no longer a choice, but a necessity for global supply chains. In this context, the Trans-Caspian International Middle Corridor East-West is taking the lead as a increasingly secure and attractive route. Turkey assigns strategic importance to this corridor. Along with the "Road for Development" project (from Iraq to Turkey - ed. note) and other transportation investments, the aim is to make trade between Europe and Asia faster, safer, and more profitable. Turkey is at the heart of global logistics and is a key country for connectivity. Bulgaria is the gateway that opens to European markets, to which these transportation corridors lead. Therefore, close collaboration is crucial for facilitating customs activities, increasing capacity at border points, digitizing the process, and expediting the transfer process. Bulgaria is not only a transit country for this logistics flow passing through Turkey, but also stands out as one of the partners that will benefit the most economically as a logistics and distribution center for these routes. "During my visit, we will take all the necessary steps to contribute to these projects," said the Turkish Foreign Minister. Fidan described the relations between Bulgaria and Turkey as extremely successful. Among the examples he highlighted were the goal of increasing trade exchange to $10 billion and cooperation within NATO. долара, което е почти троен ръст, едва ли не е най-добрата илюстрация на успеха на нашите отношения Below is the full text of the interview with Hakan Fidan by the correspondent of BTA in Ankara: - Mr. Fidan, you have a visit to Bulgaria coming up. Your last visit to Sofia was in 2024. How do you evaluate the development of the bilateral relations since then until now and what do you consider to be the significant successes in them? - In the last two years since my previous visit to Bulgaria, which was in 2024, we have observed extremely fruitful relations between the two countries, based on good-neighborliness and alliance within NATO. Even in moments of political instability, actions have been taken based on good-neighborliness and state thinking. The constant increase in trade exchange towards the goal of 10 billion dollars, which is almost triple growth, is perhaps the best illustration of our successful relations. The activities for modernizing our border checkpoints, our joint will to work on transportation and infrastructure projects that ensure connectivity, are among our biggest achievements during this period. We also encourage the reciprocal increase of investments in Bulgaria and Turkey and support it with our bilateral contacts. Moreover, the projects between the two countries, based on diplomacy focused on people and creating cultural bridges, further bring our two nations closer. In 2025, 2.8 million tourists from Bulgaria have visited Turkey. We intend to increase their number even more in the coming years. - Now our country is governed by a new government and a new political force that has a majority. How does Turkey view this change in Bulgaria, its neighbor, and how will it affect bilateral relations? - After a long period of coalitions and temporary governments in Bulgaria, we hope that the display of political will, which is based on stability, will be beneficial for the Bulgarian people and our bilateral relations. The fact that there is a strong government with a long-term perspective in Sofia is crucial not only for the country's prosperity, but also for the stability of the Balkans and the future of our joint projects. This situation will allow us to reach results much faster and more decisively on strategic projects that have remained undeveloped over time or on those that require long-term planning in the fields of energy, logistics, and security. Furthermore, the opportunities provided by a stable government are crucial for the welfare and improvement of the quality of life for both the Bulgarian people and all groups within it, including the Bulgarian Turks with whom we share common roots. - And how do you view the performance of parties representing the Bulgarian Turks and their role today? - In Bulgaria, which has the largest population with whom we share common roots among all Balkan countries, they are one of the most important aspects of the relationship between Bulgaria and Turkey. They not only create an unbreakable bridge between our two countries, but also represent one of the biggest guarantees for democracy and social peace. Of course, we are pleased with their strong representation in parliament, made possible through the exercise of their democratic rights. Our greatest desire is for the people with whom we share common roots (the Bulgarian Turks - Ed. Note) to continue contributing to the political, social, economic and cultural life in an environment of peace and unity. - The agreement between the Turkish energy company "Botas" and the Bulgarian "BulgarGas" is among the topics of political disputes in Bulgaria. How does Turkey view this and is Ankara ready to negotiate the terms? - In fact, the agreement between "Botas" and "BulgarGas" was signed in 2023. When gas purchases from Russia were interrupted, Bulgaria was faced with a disruption of the energy supply chain and was seeking alternative sources. This was a strategic move to secure Bulgaria's energy supplies. During this period, Turkey took responsibility for contributing to the energy deliveries and offered the necessary support to its neighbor and ally Bulgaria. The main goal of the agreement was to facilitate Bulgaria's access to various sources and contribute to regional energy security. Turkey and Bulgaria have always been trusted partners in the energy sector in our region. In addition to bilateral cooperation, the agreement between "Botash" and "Bulgargaz" includes infrastructure that will also contribute to the energy security of Europe. This topic has been discussed by the two companies through constructive dialogue for a long time. "They are in contact for a review, guided by the principle of achieving mutual benefit, protection of trade and legal interests of both parties and in accordance with the current situation. Our goal is to further develop our relations by signing a comprehensive cooperation agreement in the field of energy, which will include increasing the capacity for natural gas transmission between Turkey and Bulgaria. The recent conflict between Israel and the USA with Iran once again demonstrated the importance of NATO for the region - an alliance of which Bulgaria and Turkey are both a part. How have our two countries interacted and continue to interact since its inception?" The recent events in the Middle East have put the topic of how quickly the security environment can change on the table, as well as the impact of threats spreading beyond the Eastern flank. The swift response to the missiles aimed at Turkey once again showed the effectiveness of the Alliance, its defensive role in protecting global and regional security, and the need for unity and support among allies. As strategic partners, Turkey and Bulgaria, who make up the Eastern flank of the Union, closely monitor the events. Our military organizations are ready to consider additional measures related to strengthening and supporting our air and missile defense systems. Under the auspices of NATO, we are in full coordination with the authorities in Sofia regarding border security, early warning systems, and intelligence sharing. We continue our resolute actions as allies in the name of preventing the escalation of regional tensions. At the same time, within the NATO Mine Action Group, which we established in 2024 together with Bulgaria and Romania, we strive to strengthen our operational cooperation. We contribute to this through our human resources for our ground forces based in Bulgaria, and through units that serve on the Alliance's Eastern flank during certain periods. As key allies providing security in the Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean, we continue to ensure an active contribution to strengthening NATO's defensive and deterrence capabilities within the Alliance. By positioning the Black Sea and the Balkans at the forefront, we aim to further elevate our cooperation with Bulgaria in the areas of security and defense. - One of the reasons for your visit to us is the meeting of foreign ministers within the framework of the Southeast European Cooperation Process (SEECP). What are the topics and positions that Turkey considers important to present at the meeting? - Following the principles of regional inclusivity and comprehensiveness, Turkey places great importance on the development of cooperation mechanisms in the region. In this regard, our country, which is among the founding states of PSUIE, places great importance on this format. At this summit, we will emphasize that our country is an integral part of the Balkans, that the protection of security and stability in the region is among the priorities of Turkish foreign policy, that we need to find regional solutions to regional problems, that the future of the countries in the region is interdependent, and that it is necessary to continue regional cooperation under the umbrella of PSUIE. We would also like to point out that maintaining peace cannot be achieved solely through military means and the importance of inclusive and constructive dialogue, as well as the benefits of consultation mechanisms established by Turkey with regional countries, particularly through the Balkan Platform for Peace. The recent international events have also increased the importance of our regional cooperation. - In the past few months, you have carried out a series of bilateral visits during which you raised the issue of the frozen membership talks between Turkey and the European Union. On the eve of Europe Day, the topic was also raised at the highest level in Turkey. Are you optimistic about unfreezing the talks? What is Turkey willing to improve and what compromises is it willing to make on the path to Brussels? In our recent contacts, we clearly stated the following: membership in the European Union remains a strategic priority for Turkey. It would be a mistake to view Turkey's pre-accession process in the context of short-term considerations. In 1963, we began this process with the aim of achieving full membership. In 1996, we established the Customs Union, which is a step towards full membership. Our economic and trade relations with the European Union are a key element of our comprehensive partnership. The European Union is Turkey's largest trading partner, while Turkey is the fifth largest trading partner of the European Union. As an indicator of these strong economic relations, the volume of trade between Turkey and the European Union is expected to reach approximately $233 billion in 2025. Therefore, our relationship is built on a solid institutional foundation and a long history of trade, economic, and social integration. Recent intense global shocks, rapid transformations, and threats from many sides have led the European Union to undergo a fundamental transformation. From security to the economy and trade, we have reached the limits of the world as we know it, and all these developments have a profound impact on the European Union. Today, as the international system undergoes major transformation, it is impossible for the European Union to continue with its current institutional structure. Along with the changes that will be made, the relations with our country will also be reassessed. The progress in Turkey's membership process is in the interest of both us and the European Union. We observe that this shift in thinking is once again developing in the EU, as the importance of Turkey is becoming increasingly prominent every day. The political will for our country's membership must be clearly put on the table again. Additionally, the perspective of membership must be supported by decisive steps that contribute to a new advancement in the process. In this regard, we are ready to solve the problems that burden us. We place importance on the development of our relationship with the European Union in every aspect, guided by the ideas of mutual benefit, dialogue, and cooperation. When it comes to the Balkans, connectivity always comes to the forefront - from ensuring supply chains, to energy security and transportation corridors. What else can be achieved between Bulgaria and Turkey in this regard? Recent events have shown how important connectivity between states is. For this reason, we see the strengthening of energy, transport and logistics links not only as an economic, but also as a strategic priority. In this regard, there are long-term projects that we would like to implement with Bulgaria. In the field of energy, strengthening the natural gas infrastructure, developing interconnectors, and increasing supply security are among the common topics on our agenda. Regarding transportation, we are making efforts to improve border crossing procedures, develop railway and road transport, and improve logistics infrastructure. The increase in gas capacity from Turkey to Bulgaria is of strategic importance not only for our bilateral relations, but also for energy security in Eastern Europe. Especially considering the growing energy needs of countries in the region, including Ukraine, we see the need for increasing the current capacity. At the moment, the capacity for gas supply from Turkey to Bulgaria is not sufficient for the additional quantities requested to be sent through Bulgaria. We are aware that additional investments are necessary on the part of Bulgaria. линия между Турция и България We are ready to work together to make them possible. Regarding electricity, we also have important connecting projects. We attach great importance to the project for the transmission of green energy and trade between Turkey, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan and Georgia. We hope to start the activities for exploring its implementation very soon. In order to make progress on this strategic project, we need to be ready with this exploration as soon as possible. At the same time, regarding electricity, we want to complete the projects for building interconnectors. This way, the transfer capacity between Bulgaria and Turkey will be increased by 700-1100 megawatts. As for transportation, we want to open the second railway line between Turkey and Bulgaria. "We are ready to strengthen the connection between Bulgaria and Turkey and implement the project for the Black Sea Highway. We are prepared to work with Bulgaria in order to enhance connectivity in the region. At the moment, Turkey is reconstructing strategic transportation corridors such as the one from Central Asia to Turkey, and from Iraq to Turkey. Bulgaria is on the path of all that will arrive through these roads, in order to reach Europe. Are you collaborating with the country in preparation for their passage - a process which includes border control, customs and roads? The events of recent years have clearly demonstrated the strategic importance of energy, transportation, and communication connectivity. From the perspective of security and the resilience of global supply chains, the development of new transportation corridors is no longer a choice, but a necessity." In this context, the Trans-Caspian International Middle Corridor East-West is coming to the forefront as an increasingly secure and attractive route. Turkey attributes strategic importance to this corridor. In addition, the "Road to Development" project (from Iraq to Turkey) and other transportation investments aim to make trade between Europe and Asia faster, safer, and more cost-effective. Turkey is situated at the heart of global logistics and is a key country for connectivity. Bulgaria is the gateway that opens up to European markets, to which these transportation corridors lead. That is why close cooperation is important in facilitating customs activities, increasing the capacity of border points, digitizing the process, and speeding up the transfer process. Bulgaria is not only a transit country for this logistic flow passing through Turkey, but also stands out as one of the partners that will benefit the most economically as a logistic and distribution center for these routes. During my visit, we will take all necessary steps to contribute to these projects. Our close cooperation and contacts with Bulgaria on these topics continue. The border crossing point "Kapitan Andreevo" - "Kapakule" is the largest border crossing point in Europe. Expanding this border crossing point, through which more than 4 million cars and 10 million passengers pass every year, as well as our other border crossing points, is on our overall agenda, along with the opening of new ones. Our goal is, while reducing barriers to trade, to maintain the highest level of border security. The strategic location of Turkey, connecting Europe, the Middle East, the Caucasus, Central Asia and Africa, combined with Bulgaria's central role in Europe, creates significant opportunities for regional and global trade. Our aim is to deepen our cooperation in the field of connectivity in the upcoming period.