Every day we are getting closer to our common goal of EUR 10 billion in trade between Turkiye and Bulgaria, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Tuesday at a joint press conference in Ankara with Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel, who arrived on an official visit in Turkiye on Tuesday.
He pointed out that Turkiye's exports in 2022 amounted to a "record USD 254.2 billion", adding that almost all of his country's exports to Europe by land go through Bulgaria.
Fidan highlighted that Turkiye and Bulgaria have the potential to develop cooperation in a wide range of areas and added that further deepening and strengthening of bilateral relations would be beneficial for both countries, the region and Europe. Fidan said the two countries cooperate closely to reduce cross-border traffic, including at the Bulgarian-Serbian border, especially during the summer months.
The Turkish Foreign Minister said that among the areas of strategic cooperation with Bulgaria was also energy, adding that it is of great importance for the security of energy supplies in the region.
Fidan noted that Turkiye and Bulgaria have a strong security cooperation and that during the meeting on Tuesday additional steps were discussed that could be taken in the fight against terrorism and illegal migration.
Another topic of discussion during the meeting that Fidan mentioned was the initiative for the export of grain from Ukrainian ports (which was suspended by Russia).
Fidan stressed that maintaining peace in the Black Sea region is a top priority for both countries. He said that Turkiye and Bulgaria are also making joint efforts to strengthen cooperation and solidarity in the Balkans and said that in the current international environment, especially against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, there is more than ever a need for sound policies.
/MR/
news.modal.text
Nothing available
