Bulgaria Requested Clarification From Turkey Regarding the Entry of the Vessel KAIROS Into Bulgarian Waters
08 December 2025 News
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Georg Georgiev, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications, Grozdan Karadjov, held a meeting with the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Bulgaria, Mehmet Uyanik.
The meeting was initiated by the Bulgarian side as early as Friday in connection with the incident involving the tanker KAIROS, which dropped anchor off the coast near Ahtopol, and the need for a full and timely clarification of all circumstances surrounding the case.
Minister Georg Georgiev requested information regarding the reasons for and the manner in which the vessel entered Bulgarian territorial waters, emphasising the expectation of the Bulgarian institutions for open and constructive cooperation from the competent Turkish authorities.
Minister Karadjov presented detailed information on the movement of the tugboat TIMUR BEY from Turkish into Bulgarian territorial waters, as well as the exact coordinates from which the towing of the tanker KAIROS commenced.
The data clearly indicate movement towards the Bulgarian coastline, entry into Bulgarian territorial waters, and the abandonment of the tanker at a distance of six nautical miles from the shoreline.
During the meeting, issues related to regional security in the Black Sea were also discussed. Minister Georg Georgiev underscored the importance of the region as a strategic element of the security of Europe and the transatlantic community, particularly in the context of the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine.
He emphasised the need for enhanced coordination within NATO, improved situational awareness, and effective measures to counter hybrid threats.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to closely monitor developments and to maintain active coordination with the competent institutions and allied partners.