Velislava Petrova: Bulgaria Can Be a Strategic Link Between Europe, the Black Sea Region, the Middle East and Asia
24 September 2026 News
Strategic connectivity was among the key foreign policy priorities addressed during a series of meetings held by Minister of Foreign Affairs Velislava Petrova during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
This foreign policy focus builds on Bulgaria’s ambition to play a more active role in advancing European connectivity. The Regional Connectivity Summit, which Bulgaria will host in 2027, provides an opportunity to place key infrastructure projects within a broader European framework and to translate the vision for connectivity into concrete projects, investment and partnerships.
The development of transport, energy and economic links between Europe, the Black Sea region, the South Caucasus, the Middle East and Asia was at the heart of her discussions with representatives of Georgia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Iraq.
Minister Petrova discussed opportunities to deepen connectivity with Georgia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Maka Botchorishvili and Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi.
She also discussed the issue with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates; Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister of Oman; and Fuad Hussein, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iraq.
“Bulgaria’s geographical location is a strategic advantage. It is time to translate this advantage into tangible transport, energy and economic links, investment and partnerships,” Minister Petrova said.
According to Minister Petrova, changing global trade routes and intensifying geopolitical competition are making the diversification of transport and energy corridors increasingly important for Europe’s security, resilience and competitiveness.
The discussions explored the potential for expanding economic ties and investment partnerships between Europe and the countries of the Middle East, as well as the role of the Black Sea region and the South Caucasus in the broader connectivity architecture between Europe and Asia.
“Connectivity is not just about infrastructure. It is a matter of economic security, competitiveness and strategic resilience,” Minister Petrova emphasised.
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