Ukraine and Bulgaria have signed a series of important partnership agreements covering the areas of security, energy, and infrastructure. The bilateral security cooperation agreement is set for ten years and aims to further develop joint projects between the two countries.
This is reported by Business • Media
Military Cooperation and Energy Partnership
At a joint press conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the key areas of the new partnership. In particular, this includes the continuation of military support from Bulgaria, as well as joint production of various types of weapons, including drones, on the territory of both countries. Bulgaria’s participation in the EU SAFE program, which will facilitate the development of joint production, was also highlighted, along with Sofia’s joining the PURL initiative for the procurement of American weapons for Ukraine.
“The main points I would personally like to highlight are the continuation of military support from Bulgaria. This includes joint production on the territory of our countries of various weapons, including drones.”
The President underscored Ukraine’s interest in energy cooperation with Bulgaria. Work is underway to create an energy corridor that, according to Zelensky, could be technically ready by the end of the year. It is expected that this corridor will allow up to 10 billion cubic meters of gas to flow from Bulgaria to Ukraine annually, providing an alternative in case of potential transit restrictions from certain EU countries. Additionally, Ukraine intends to purchase two reactors from Bulgaria, produced using Russian technology, to complete the energy blocks at the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant. However, the final decision on the sale remains with the Bulgarian side. Furthermore, Sofia is preparing a package of assistance with energy equipment for the restoration of Ukrainian power plants.
Transport Infrastructure and the Black Sea Region
Significant attention in the negotiations is also given to the development of transport infrastructure and logistics routes. As reported by Ukraine’s Minister for Communities and Territories Development Oleksii Kuleba after a meeting with Bulgaria’s Minister of Transport and Communications Korman Ismailov, the countries are working together to launch passenger rail services through Romania. The first test flight is planned for this summer.
The strategic importance of developing transport corridors, the Danube cluster, and road infrastructure between Ukraine and Bulgaria is also emphasized. The parties discussed cooperation in maritime safety in the Black Sea and expect to finalize an intergovernmental agreement on maritime search and rescue by the end of the current year.