Security, energy and economic cooperation were the focus of Minister Velislava Petrova's meeting with the Canadian Ambassador
29 October 2026 News
The deepening of bilateral relations and political dialogue, with an emphasis on security and defence, energy, trade and investment, as well as innovation and high technology, were the focus of Minister of Foreign Affairs Velislava Petrova's meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of Canada to Bulgaria, Kevin Rex.
They discussed security in the Black Sea, and Minister Petrova stressed the importance of coordination with NATO allies, including Canada, to deter threats and strengthen maritime security in the region. They also discussed the possibilities for deepening the cooperation between Bulgaria and Canada in the field of defence and the acquisition of capabilities within the efforts to modernize the Bulgarian armed forces.
The prospects for developing the partnership in the field of digitalization, high technologies and artificial intelligence were also discussed. The potential for cooperation in nuclear and hydro-power, energy storage and critical raw materials was also highlighted.
The prospects for trade and economic relations and attracting more Canadian investments in Bulgaria were also among the topics of the conversation. Ambassador Rex pointed out that bilateral trade has increased by 200% since the start of the provisional application of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between the EU and Canada, which creates a good foundation for further development of trade and economic relations with Bulgaria. He confirmed Canada's consistent support for our country's accession to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
In the context of Bulgaria's strategic priorities, Minister Petrova highlighted the topic of connectivity. In the spring of next year, Bulgaria will host the Connectivity Summit. Velislava Petrova emphasized that an investment forum will be held in parallel with the summit. According to her, the main goal is to focus on opportunities for financing specific projects along transport corridors and attracting investments for the development of regional connectivity.
The opportunities for promoting tourism and promoting Bulgaria among Canadian society, as well as the prospects for opening a Canadian embassy in Sofia, were also discussed. It will expand the opportunities for deepening bilateral dialogue and partnership in areas of mutual interest.
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