site.btaBulgaria, Greece Seek Deeper Connectivity and Economic Cooperation at Sofia Forum

Bulgaria and Greece reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening connectivity, economic ties, and regional cooperation during a bilateral forum in Sofia attended by government officials, business representatives, and local authorities from both countries. The discussions focused on infrastructure development, investment, logistics, and expanding strategic partnership across key sectors.

Addressing the forum, Konstantinos Gkioulekas, Deputy Minister of the Interior for Macedonia and Thrace, said Greece seeks to advance cooperation with Bulgaria and deepen bilateral relations. He highlighted the importance of economic, energy, and regional collaboration, as well as exchanges between citizens, education, and tourism, which he described as a bridge of friendship. Gkioulekas conveyed greetings from Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and said Athens expects concrete steps toward expanding the partnership. The visit to Sofia is part of a broader regional tour by the Greek delegation aimed at strengthening cooperation across the Balkans.

Business representatives from both countries also stressed the importance of strengthening economic links. More than 40 Greek companies and nearly 180 Bulgarian firms took part in the forum, according to Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Tsvetan Simeonov. He said the strong participation reflects growing confidence and expanding bilateral ties, noting that over 3,000 Greek companies are registered in Bulgaria. Simeonov highlighted the importance of developing logistics corridors along the north-south axis and expanding transport routes linking the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. Representatives of the Bulgarian-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce and Industry also announced upcoming joint business initiatives, including a forum in Thessaloniki and participation in a regional green transition event.

Outgoing Regional Development and Public Works Minister Ivan Ivanov emphasized the need to accelerate infrastructure modernization and improve coordination on strategic projects to enhance regional connectivity and economic integration. He pointed to ongoing work on key cross-border transport links, including the Struma Motorway and routes through Makaza, Zlatograd, and Ilinden, as well as the recent opening of the Rudozem–Xanthi border crossing. Ivanov also highlighted cooperation under EU programmes such as INTERREG and the strategic importance of the Black Sea–Aegean corridor for strengthening regional competitiveness, trade, and investment. He said closer cooperation between Bulgaria and Greece can help build sustainable logistics networks and support long-term growth across Southeast Europe.