At a meeting in Sofia on Wednesday, President Iliana Iotova met Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef Al Saud, with Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev in attendance. Iotova said Saudi Arabia was among Bulgaria’s most promising partners in the Middle East, underscoring security cooperation and a platform for broader collaboration.
Security and Stability
President Iotova noted that the conflict in the Persian Gulf and disruptions to navigation through the Strait of Hormuz threaten global supply chains. She highlighted Saudi Arabia’s role as a stabilizing factor, supporting efforts to normalize the region. The Saudi Interior Minister, in his remarks, conveyed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s congratulations on Iotova’s election and expressed optimism about deepening bilateral relations.
Innovation and Economic Ties
Both sides discussed expanding cooperation in innovation, trade, and technology, with Bulgarian companies positioned to participate in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 modernization projects. Iotova indicated that opportunities exist for Bulgarian expertise in artificial intelligence and high technology. She also mentioned the Future Investment Initiative, a forum launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to link public and private sectors.
Potential avenues for increased connectivity were explored, including the establishment of a direct air link between Sofia and Riyadh, which could open new opportunities for business, tourism, and cultural exchange. However, the direct link remains an idea to be pursued rather than an agreement that has been confirmed.
The Bulgarian Interior Ministry described this meeting as a step forward in strengthening security and internal affairs cooperation with Saudi Arabia, a development that remains to be fully formalized but is clearly under active consideration.
