Minister Velislava Petrova: Bulgaria has the potential to be a key regional factor for security, connectivity and economic development
29 September 2026 News
Bulgaria has the potential to be a key regional factor that offers solutions, builds partnerships and turns its strategic location into concrete opportunities for connectivity, security and economic development. Minister of Foreign Affairs Velislava Petrova told the participants in the Annual General Assembly of the Association of Honorary Consuls in Bulgaria.
Minister Petrova stressed that the complicated security environment, the ongoing international conflicts and the growing economic uncertainty require clear priorities, sustainable institutions and consistent protection of Bulgaria's strategic interests.
"Our foreign policy should be moderate and pragmatic, but also clearly oriented towards our own interests," Minister Petrova said. In this context, she stressed the importance of Bulgaria's membership in the European Union and NATO for security, stability and protection of the country's national interests.
"Today, it is no longer enough for Bulgaria to just participate. We must clearly define our role, contribute to the security and stability of the alliances in which we are members and show our added value," our top diplomat stressed.
In her words, an active foreign policy is one that offers solutions, creates partnerships and turns opportunities into concrete results.
"Bulgaria is not a periphery. Our geographical location gives us the potential to be an entry point to Europe and a natural link to Central Asia and the Persian Gulf through the development of transport, energy, digital and trade corridors. We are working to turn this potential into real projects, investments and sustainable partnerships," Minister Petrova said.
In recognition of the country's role and capacity, she pointed to the Regional Connectivity Summit, which Bulgaria will host in 2027. The forum will provide an opportunity for our country to place specific regional projects in a broader European framework and to strengthen its position as an active factor for connectivity and security in the region.
Minister Petrova outlined three priority directions in the work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – strengthening economic diplomacy, modernization and digitalization of consular services and more efficient allocation of diplomatic resources in accordance with modern economic and geopolitical realities.
Special emphasis was placed on the need for the traditional political dialogue with Bulgaria's partners to be complemented by a specific economic agenda aimed at opening up new opportunities, attracting investment and supporting Bulgarian business on international markets.
Minister Petrova also stressed the importance of active cooperation with the honorary consuls, whom she defined as important partners of the Bulgarian state. According to her, their experience, contacts and knowledge of the local environment can contribute both to the development of bilateral relations and to their transformation into concrete economic and societal benefits.
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