Moldova, Bulgaria strengthen cooperation in economy, energy, security

Moldova and Bulgaria aim to deepen the bilateral cooperation in the economic, energy and security sectors. Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popsoi and Bulgaria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Velislava Petrova have discussed topics to this effect in Sofia.

The discussions also addressed Bulgaria’s support for Moldova’s process of accession to the European Union. The head of Moldova’s diplomacy thanked the Bulgarian authorities for their support and willingness to share Bulgaria’s experience in the European integration process.

The deputy PM said that Moldova was ready to open the remaining four negotiating clusters.

“For Moldova, the European integration means a comprehensive process of transforming and modernizing the country, creating more opportunities and improving the living standards of our citizens. Bulgaria’s experience and the lessons it learned on its path to the European Union are extremely valuable to us. We are convinced that, together with friends and close partners, such as Bulgaria, we can confidently advance toward our common European future,” Mihai Popsoi said.

For her part, Velislava Petrova reaffirmed Bulgaria’s support for Moldova’s European path and praised the progress made by the country in its reform process.

“Bulgaria consistently supports the European integration of Moldova and welcomes the progress it has made, based on its own merits and efforts to implement the necessary reforms. We will continue to support Moldova on its European path and work together to strengthen the resilience of Moldovan institutions,” the Bulgarian minister said.

Another topic discussed was the role of the Bulgarian community of Moldova in strengthening relations between the two states. Mihai Popsoi emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting its linguistic and cultural identity and reaffirmed the commitment of the Moldovan authorities in this regard.

The officials also discussed cooperation in education, including the branch of the Angel Kanchev University of Ruse, opened in Taraclia in 2025. For the 2026–2027 academic year, more than 190 students and 30 master’s students were enrolled at the institution.

In the economic sphere, the ministers agreed on the need to deepen trade relations and capitalize on the potential for new investments and joint projects. In the context, they discussed the organization of the tenth meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission for Economic Cooperation.

The discussions also covered security developments in the Black Sea region and the consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The two officials emphasized the importance of cooperation in combating hybrid threats and disinformation.

Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popsoi is paying an official visit to Sofia, Bulgaria, today. The visit’s agenda also includes meetings with President of Bulgaria Iliana Iotova, President of the National Assembly of Bulgaria Mihaela Dotsova, Deputy Prime Minister Ivo Hristov and Chair of the National Assembly’s Foreign Policy Committee Petar Vitanov.

The head of Moldova’s diplomacy will also meet Galin Durev, Chair of the Bulgaria–Moldova Parliamentary Friendship Group.