site.btaBulgaria Remains Firm Supporter of Ukraine’s Efforts for Just Peace Ensuring Its Sovereignty, Territorial Integrity, Foreign Minister Says

Bulgaria remains a firm supporter of Ukraine’s efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace that guarantees its sovereignty and territorial integrity, with strict adherence to the international rules-based order being the only viable alternative, Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev said at the opening of the 66th General Assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (PABSEC) in Sofia.

He stressed that Bulgaria condemns “in the strongest possible terms” the Russian military aggression against Ukraine. According to him, the negative consequences of this aggression hinder the achievement of consensus among the Member States on a number of key issues related to the optimal functioning of PABSEC.

Bulgaria welcomed the consistent efforts of the US and President Donald Trump aimed at achieving a ceasefire and establishing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, the Council of Ministers' press centre said on Facebook on Saturday.

As the current rotating Chair of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) for the period July 1 – December 31, 2025, as well as one of its founding countries, Bulgaria remains strongly committed to strengthening security, stability and cooperation across the wider Black Sea region, Georgiev said on Monday. He noted that amid growing challenges, enhanced regional economic partnership can lay the foundations for sustainable development, good-neighbourly relations, competitiveness and shared values.

Despite the difficult situation facing the organisation, Bulgaria believes that by maintaining a focus on BSEC’s core values and mission, bridges of cooperation can be built. According to the Minister, this cooperation is based on promoting economic partnership and applying the fundamental principles that unite the member states.

During Bulgaria’s BSEC Chairmanship, held under the motto “Collective Engagement in the Black Sea Region”, the country is placing emphasis on sustainability, cultural integration and international partnerships. In implementing its priorities, Bulgaria is pursuing targeted actions to improve and protect the environment, strengthen regional resilience and develop cooperation both within and beyond the region, Georgiev noted.

He stressed that achieving common goals requires support for key regional initiatives, including the Black Sea Ring Highway, the maritime highways and the development of an integrated energy market. In his view, these are strategic directions that will strengthen connectivity, energy security and economic resilience in the region and will contribute to closer interaction between BSEC and the EU. "Bulgaria remains firmly committed to constructive cooperation with the EU and other international partners of the organisation, thereby promoting inclusive development and international partnership," Georgiev added.

The Minister expressed confidence that through joint efforts, the Black Sea region can become an area of peace, stability, economic progress and good-neighbourly relations, and that through constructive dialogue and collective action, regional resilience can be strengthened.

He noted that the organisation currently operates in a context of significant global challenges, which makes the present forum particularly important – to provide a solid platform for understanding and for seeking pathways to prosperity for the member states.

The Bulgarian National Assembly is hosting the 66th General Assembly of PABSEC. The main theme of the forum, which is bringing to Sofia delegations from the parliaments of the Member States until November 25, is “Cooperation with the European Union and Other International Organisations”.