Velislava Petrova: Bulgaria and the Netherlands Can Translate Their Strategic Partnership into More Investment, Security and Connectivity
05 October 2026 News
Velislava Petrova and Tom Berendsen discussed deepening political dialogue and expanding cooperation in the areas of the economy, energy, transport, security and defence.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Velislava Petrova held a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Tom Berendsen, during an official visit to The Hague. The two discussed opportunities to deepen political dialogue and expand cooperation in the areas of the economy, energy, transport, security and defence.
“Bulgaria and the Netherlands are long-standing partners in the European Union and allies in NATO. We have a shared interest in ensuring that this partnership delivers tangible results – more investment, better connectivity and stronger European security,” Minister Petrova stated.
Opportunities for cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence were also discussed, including between research organisations and businesses in the two countries.
Special emphasis was placed on strategic connectivity between Europe, the Black Sea region, the Middle East and Asia. Minister Petrova emphasised the importance of the Regional Connectivity Summit, which Bulgaria will host in 2027, for attracting investment and establishing new transport, energy and digital connections.
Other key topics discussed included the war in Ukraine, security in the Black Sea region, strengthening European defence readiness, protecting external borders and EU enlargement.
During her visit to The Hague, Minister Petrova also visited the Netherlands Institute of International Relations “Clingendael”. During discussions with the institute's management and experts, diplomatic training and bilateral institutional cooperation were discussed.
The Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute and “Clingendael” maintain a long-standing partnership that has contributed to the development of professional training for Bulgarian diplomats. Their joint initiatives include specialised programmes on negotiations, European policies, energy diplomacy and countering foreign information manipulation and interference.
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