The Constant and Changing Variables in Bulgarian-Turkish Relations: Insights from Turkish Ambassadors and Officials

Back in 1931, at a reception in Turkey on the occasion of a visit by the Bulgarian Prime Minister, Turkish leader Kemal Atatürk said: “Turkey and Bulgaria must remain friends. Whoever stands up against Bulgaria is also standing up against Turkey.” “This is a very strong statement. This is a kind of prediction for future politicians,” said Turkey’s ambassador to our country Aylin Sekizkök at the “EU Meets the Balkans” forum, which was held for the second year in a row in Sofia.

The Turkish ambassador pointed out two variables and two immutable dimensions regarding the Bulgarian-Turkish relations.

Among the changing are the changing situation. The weather unpredictability and upheavals in both countries that make both countries look for stable and reliable partners in their role as neighbors and help each other in times of crisis. “Unfortunately, this unpredictability continues and will continue for a long time. But Bulgaria and Turkey will become even closer in the coming years,” predicts Sekizkök.

Among the most important constants is the shared border between the two countries. “Bulgari has always been Turkey’s gateway to the rest of Europe. We want this door to remain open and therefore we will continue to invest in the development of relations with Bulgaria to maintain the security of the border between us and keep it open for supply chains.

Another factor that is not variable is the Turkish minority in Bulgaria. When it feels secure, it will be an incredible boost for Bulgarian-Turkish relations and vice versa.

The panel “100 Years of Turkish Foreign Policy” discussed both scenarios regarding Turkey’s politics – the re-election of the current President of Turkey Recep Erdogan or not.

“Erdogan has a high chance of being re-elected. Whether we will continue on the same political line also depends on the circumstances in which we find ourselves. The war in Ukraine changed the landscape dramatically. We are in the middle of everything that is happening. We offer our foreign policy that we have had for centuries. We made efforts to stay out of World War II and we continue on the same path,” said Selim Yenel, Ambassador of the Global Relations Forum

As for the European Union (EU), it remains a very important partner for our southern neighbor. Lately, Jenelle admits, they’ve been “a little bit difficult, but we’ve managed to step into the middleman role.”

“As for the economic situation in the country, it will force Erdogan to continue his policy regarding the Middle East. We also know how the issue with the USA and Syria stands. All this will continue. However, if there is a change in management, then we will witness a completely different policy. Our relations with Russia will not be as good as they are now,” he predicted.

Yenel admits that Turkey has unfortunately moved away from the EU. “The Union has also failed to deliver on all its promises under the refugee deal. Visa liberalization and other issues are also still not resolved. There are also issues that have not been discussed so far, namely Cyprus. Even if the government changes, there are limitations that Turkey must comply with in relation to Cyprus”, he adds and concludes that “sometimes the EU perceives Turkey as a rival here in the Balkans, and I do not accept that”.