Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev has Georgia and Bulgaria as key countries for strengthening Black Sea security and developing transport, energy and digital connections between Europe and Asia. Speaking to Georgia’s public broadcaster on 26 October, Radev called for closer cooperation between the two countries to improve regional connectivity and safeguard freedom of navigation in the Black Sea.

“I am very glad that we have a long-standing partnership and friendship with Georgia, rooted in historical and cultural ties,” Radev remarked, stressing that the two countries were important to strengthening regional security and developing connections across several sectors. Radev highlighted existing fibre-optic cables running across the Black Sea between Georgia and Bulgaria as an example of their connectivity. Radev also announced that Bulgaria would host a high-level conference on the Middle Corridor in 2027, bringing together countries interested in the transport route linking Central Asia and Asia with Europe. “Bulgaria and Georgia will play a decisive role in this project,” saying that closer coordination would be essential to turn the Middle Corridor’s geographic advantages into more efficient transport connections.

The statements came as Georgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili Sofia to participate in the Sofia Economic Forum on 26 October. The forum focused on Black Sea connectivity, the development of the Middle Corridor and opportunities for regional cooperation. Botchorishvili outlined Georgia’s role in linking Europe and Asia and reiterated the need to develop Black Sea ports, road and railway infrastructure to make the corridor more competitive. Botchorishvili also urged stronger political dialogue and a stable investment environment to support major infrastructure projects.

During the visit, Botchorishvili met Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova to discuss bilateral relations, cooperation within the Organisation of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) and relations with the European Union. The ministers emphasised the importance of dialogue and closer cooperation between the two Black Sea countries. Botchorishvili also met Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Pekanov, with discussions covering trade, political developments, regional stability and connectivity. Both meetings concluded with commitments to continue developing bilateral relations.

The planned 2027 conference is expected to provide a further opportunity for regional partners to discuss how to improve the route’s performance and strengthen Black Sea security.