Deepening cooperation between Bulgaria and Türkiye has enormous potential to help ensure the energy security of Southeastern Europe. This was the focus of a meeting between Bulgaria’s Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov and the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Bulgaria, HE Mehmet Sait Uyanık.
“Türkiye is one of Bulgaria’s key energy partners. Ensuring energy security for the region and diversifying sources are common priorities, on which we will continue working together,” Minister Malinov said. “After the cessation of the transportation of Russian natural gas through Ukrainian territory, the need for energy supplies to the region via the liquefied gas terminals in Türkiye will increase.”
During the meeting, it was noted that Bulgargaz and BOTAŞ continued talks on the decision of the Bulgarian National Assembly of 19 April 2024, which instructs the Minister of Energy to take the necessary steps to renegotiate the agreement between Bulgargaz and BOTAŞ.
They also discussed the role of deepening cooperation in the development of the electricity systems of both countries. The potential for transporting green energy to the European market was considered as well. Minister Malinov also spoke with Ambassador Uyanık about the development of the nuclear sector in Bulgaria, informing him about the actions taken to build new nuclear capacities.
“Our country has 50 years of experience in the operation of a nuclear power plant, we are ready to provide experience and expertise, if necessary, to our Turkish counterparts,” Mr. Malinov added.
Minister Malinov and Ambassador Uyanık expressed their readiness to sign in the coming months a Memorandum of Understanding between Bulgaria and Türkiye on cooperation in the field of energy.