In brief
During a meeting in Sofia, Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev and Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef Al Saud reviewed ways to strengthen cooperation to combat crime and terrorism, broaden transport and digital links, and explore a new energy corridor to Europe. The talks also covered political stability, investment prospects, and a planned high‑level connectivity summit. The sources indicate that further details will be negotiated, leaving the ultimate scope of agreements uncertain.
In Sofia on Wednesday, Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Rumen Radev met with Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef Al Saud to review ways to deepen bilateral ties across security, energy, trade and investment.
Security and Counter‑terrorism
The two leaders discussed opportunities to expand cooperation against organised crime, terrorism, and cross‑border illicit drug trafficking. Prime Minister Radev emphasised that fighting international crime and protecting citizens and critical infrastructure were shared priorities for the two governments. He described Saudi Arabia as a leading political and economic power in the Middle East, a key Bulgarian partner, and highlighted the potential for improved information sharing to strengthen regional stability.
During a separate meeting between Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev and Prince Abdulaziz, the officials noted the positive results achieved as far as anti‑drug trafficking and cross‑border organised crime cooperation. Both sides also reiterated resilience in combating terrorism and the importance of joint efforts in those arenas.
"Saudi Arabia’s readiness to upgrade relations with Bulgaria is unquestionable," said Prince Abdulaziz.
Energy, Transport and Digital Connectivity
Prime Minister Radev highlighted potential new energy corridors that could provide a diversified supply route to Europe, citing a Saudi‑proposed project that would diversify energy supplies the continent. He also underlined the importance of improved transport links, digital connectivity and collaboration with neighbouring regions as key to reliable supply chains and secure energy supplies for Europe.
Radev referred to a high‑level connectivity summit to be held in Bulgaria, urging Saudi Arabia’s participation. He endorsed the idea of expanding Bulgaria’s trade, transport, science, education, defence industry and energy relations with the Kingdom, noting the country’s political stability opened new prospects for wide‑ranging collaboration.
President Iliana Iotova, Deputy Prime Minister Ivo Hristov, Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev and Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova all attended the talks, underlining the all‑government commitment to seeking deeper engagement.
The government’s information service stated that Prime Minister Radev condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed Bulgaria’s support for Saudi efforts to de‑escalate tensions and end hostilities in the Middle East.
While the meeting showcased intent to deepen cooperation, the sources do not detail the final format or timing of concrete projects. Future negotiations will determine the actual scope and implementation of the agreed‑upon initiatives.
