Strengthening Bilateral Relations: Turkish Ambassador Sees Potential in Bulgaria-Turkiye Ties

Strategic Insights -

The Fourth Balkan Business Forum was the platform where Turkish Ambassador to Bulgaria Mehmet Sait Uyanik emphasized the immense potential of the bilateral relation between Bulgaria and Turkiye. Highlighting the fact that the two countries share a great deal of common interests, Uyanik pointed out that Bulgaria is a natural ally of Turkiye. He also underscored the significance of trade between the two countries, which has grown to nearly USD 8 billion and accounts for nearly 25% of Turkiye's total trade with the Balkans, amounting to USD 37 billion.

Key Takeaways:

  • The bilateral relation between Bulgaria and Turkiye has a great potential, with the two countries sharing big dimension ties that continue to expand.
  • Bulgaria is a natural ally of Turkiye, with overlapping interests in numerous areas.
  • Trade between the two countries has grown to nearly USD 8 billion, accounting for nearly 25% of Turkiye's total trade with the Balkans (USD 37 billion).
  • In 2024, more than 3 million Bulgarians chose Turkiye as a tourism destination, while 2 million Turkish tourists visited Bulgaria.
  • The Ambassador stressed the importance of resolving visa issues to increase tourist traffic between the two countries.
  • He also pointed out the need for increasing the capacity of crossing points between the two countries, especially at Kapitan Andreevo and Lesovo.
  • Nearly 12 million passengers have passed through the border crossings connecting the two countries.
  • Over 3 million Bulgarians visited Turkiye in 2024.
  • 2 million Turkish tourists visited Bulgaria.
  • Bulgaria accounts for nearly 25% of Turkiye's total trade with the Balkans, which amounts to USD 37 billion.
  • Trade between Bulgaria and Turkiye has reached nearly USD 8 billion.
  • Bulgaria is the last stop for countless Turkish citizens traveling to their homeland.
  • The infrastructure of crossing points is a priority, especially at Kapitan Andreevo and Lesovo.

Sources:

  • Turkish Ambassador to Bulgaria Mehmet Sait Uyanik's speech at the Fourth Balkan Business Forum on Saturday.