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Former Bulgarian Prime Minister and PPGERB (Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria) leader Boyko Borissov met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul on 18 May, emphasizing the critical role of bilateral cooperation in protecting the European Union's external border.
Following the meeting, Borissov highlighted that the "good neighborly relations between Bulgaria and Türkiye" and his "personal and professional ties with President Erdogan" serve as a guarantee for border security and combating illegal migration.
"The good-neighborly relations between Bulgaria and Turkey and our personal and professional contacts with President Erdogan are a guarantee for the protection of both our national and external European borders in an exemplary manner.
This is what I said during my meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul," Borissov stated.
The high-level talks come at a significant time, following Bulgaria and Romania's full accession to the Schengen Area earlier this year. Both countries gained access for air and sea travel in March 2024 after Austria partially withdrew its veto, with Sofia successfully demonstrating a substantial reduction in irregular migration across the Bulgarian-Turkish border.
Borissov described the cooperation with Türkiye as "excellent and essential," particularly in addressing illegal migration challenges. The discussion also covered plans to modernize the Kapitan Andreevo border checkpoint, which is already among the world's busiest crossing points for freight traffic.
"The capacity and permeability of the checkpoint need to be significantly increased, which will enhance economic benefits for both countries," Borissov noted in his Instagram post following the meeting.
The two leaders also discussed upgrades to other border crossings, including Lesovo and Malko Tarnovo, which would further facilitate cross-border movement while maintaining security.
According to Borissov's social media statement, the meeting also addressed security in the Black Sea region, with special emphasis on coordination in establishing the Operational Group for Counter-Mine Measures in the Black Sea.
"Türkiye is not only a neighbor of Bulgaria but also a NATO ally and an important partner in areas such as trade and investment, transport, energy, tourism, and fighting terrorism and organized crime," Borissov stated.
Borissov and Erdogan have maintained close contact throughout the past decade, particularly during Borissov's three terms as prime minister.
Their partnership has encompassed key areas including border control, refugee flows, and energy transit, often positioning Bulgaria as an intermediary between Ankara and Brussels.
The former Bulgarian prime minister has consistently framed his relationship with Erdogan as vital for regional stability and EU-Türkiye dialogue.
The leaders also discussed opportunities for cooperation in various initiatives for the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine, according to Borissov's Instagram post.
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