Türkiye seeks enhanced defense and energy cooperation with Bulgaria

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized Türkiye’s commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation with Bulgaria during talks with Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Jelyazkov at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum on Saturday, according to a statement from the Turkish Presidential Communications Directorate.

The high-level meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the diplomatic gathering in Antalya, covered a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues as both nations look to strengthen their relationship.

“We will continue our efforts to diversify and deepen cooperation between Türkiye and Bulgaria in many areas, particularly defense industry and energy,” Erdogan said during the meeting.

Türkiye, Bulgaria expected to enhance counterterrorism efforts

The Turkish president also highlighted counterterrorism as a crucial area for continued collaboration, stating that maintaining solidarity between the two countries on this front remains essential. Erdogan indicated that Türkiye expects Bulgaria to take concrete steps in this direction in the coming period.

The meeting comes as Türkiye seeks to bolster its strategic partnerships in the Balkan region, where Bulgaria serves as both a NATO ally and an important neighbor.

Neither leader publicly detailed specific defense industry projects or energy initiatives that might be in development, though both sectors have been areas of growing importance in Türkiye’s foreign policy priorities.

The Antalya Diplomacy Forum, which has become a significant platform for international dialogue since its inception, continues to serve as a venue for Türkiye to advance its diplomatic objectives with neighboring countries and beyond.