Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova and her Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev discussed deepening energy cooperation between Bulgaria and Azerbaijan. The two held a meeting within the framework of the 62nd Munich Security Conference.

President Aliyev highlighted Bulgaria’s strategic role not only as a recipient of energy supplies, but also as a transit country for Europe.

The Bulgarian head of state emphasised that among the main messages of the Munich Security Conference is precisely the achievement of energy independence for Europe. Iotova pointed to the need for active participation of the Azerbaijani side in the construction of the necessary energy infrastructure in Europe.

It is important for Bulgaria to participate in two key projects – the “Solidarity Ring”, which will supply gas from Azerbaijan through Bulgaria to Romania, Slovakia and Hungary, as well as the “Green Energy Corridor Caspian Sea – Black Sea – Europe”, said the Bulgarian President. She stressed Bulgaria’s major role in Europe’s energy security due to its key geographical location – a transit country for Eastern and Central Europe, and also due to the heightened interest in the Black Sea. Iotova highlighted Azerbaijan’s interest in building a network of fibre-optic cables in the Black Sea.

At the meeting, President Iotova also underlined the active cooperation in the field of culture between Bulgaria and Azerbaijan, pointing out the contribution of the Azerbaijani side to the restoration of the Trapezitsa historical complex, as well as the upcoming implementation of the project for the Shusha Park in Veliko Tarnovo. The Bulgarian head of state thanked the Azerbaijani side for its active work in spreading the Bulgarian language and culture in Azerbaijan.