In brief
President Iliana Iotova labeled Saudi Arabia one of Bulgaria’s most promising partners in the Middle East after a meeting with the Saudi Interior Minister. The partnership aims to strengthen security ties, expand trade, and tap Saudi Vision 2030 for technology collaboration. Bulgaria also seeks a direct air link and invites the Saudi Crown Prince for future visits.
President Iliana Iotova announced that Saudi Arabia is among Bulgaria’s most promising partners in the Middle East during a meeting with Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef Al Saud, who was visiting Sofia.
She said that deepening security cooperation would give the two countries a foundation for broader collaboration in trade, innovation, and technology. The president pointed out that unrest in the Persian Gulf and disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz endanger global supplies, and she highlighted Saudi Arabia’s role as a stabilising force in the region.
Cooperation could extend to Bulgaria’s artificial‑intelligence and high‑technology firms, which could take part in Saudi Vision 2030 projects. The president also mentioned Bulgaria’s interest in the Future Investment Initiative, a forum that connects the public and private sectors in Saudi Arabia.
There was talk of creating a direct air link between Sofia and Riyadh, which would open new channels for business, tourism and cultural exchange between the two countries, which have a long history of interaction.
The Saudi Interior Minister delivered Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s congratulations to Iotova on her election as president of Bulgaria. He expressed optimism about furthering bilateral relations and underscored Bulgaria’s importance as a reliable partner.
The Bulgarian Interior Ministry said separately that both nations were stepping up cooperation in security and internal affairs, a move that could benefit the stability of the wider region.
These talks set a tone of growing economic and strategic engagement that could reshape the Balkan relationship with the Middle East.
