site.btaDefence Minister, Turkiye's Ambassador to Bulgaria Discuss Bilateral Defence Cooperation

Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov and Turkiye's Ambassador to Bulgaria Mehmet Sait Uyanik discussed bilateral defence cooperation and issues on the current security agenda, the Defence Ministry said on Tuesday.

The two underlined the traditionally excellent partnership between Bulgaria and Turkiye within NATO and in regional formats, as well as the important role of both countries in building the allied deterrence and defence capabilities of the Alliance's Eastern flank. Prospects for the development of the bilateral dialogue in the context of the decisions taken and the approved regional plans were outlined. Zapryanov expressed gratitude for Turkiye's contribution to the NATO Multinational Battle Group led by Italy and hosted by Bulgaria. 

Zapryanov and Uyanik also discussed the changing security environment in the Black Sea Region, focusing on the establishment of the Black Sea Mine Countermeasures Task Group (MCM Black Sea) by the three allied countries - Bulgaria, Turkiye and Romania. The rapid pace with which the group was formed and structured was highlighted, as well as the key contribution of the initiative to reducing tensions in the Black Sea region. The Memorandum of Understanding on cross-border airspace security operations signed in 2024 was also highlighted.

During the talks, opportunities for defence-industrial cooperation, projects for the modernisation of the Bulgarian army and participation in joint exercises and training were discussed. As good neighbours and NATO allies, both sides expressed hope that the positive trends in bilateral relations will continue in the future.

The meeting was attended by Chief of Defence Emil Eftimov and Turkiye's military attaché in Bulgaria, Lieutenant Colonel Ugur Mertoglu.