Deputy Chairman of the TBMM National Defense Commission and AK Party Bursa Deputy Refik Özen met with Bulgarian Defense Minister Todor Tagarev.
Özen touched upon the importance of the Balkans during the meeting held in the Parliament and said that joint efforts should be made to strengthen cooperation and solidarity.
Recalling the Russia-Ukraine War, Özen emphasized that sensible policies that prioritize security and stability in the Balkans are needed more than ever.
Özen, drawing attention to the fact that the multi-dimensional friendship and alliance between Turkey and Bulgaria is the fundamental element of stability in the Balkans, said, “Deepening and strengthening our bilateral relations in every field is not only in the interest of our country, but also the entire region and even Europe.”
Özen pointed out that the Russia-Ukraine War affected the countries bordering the Black Sea in different ways, and noted that Turkey was making multifaceted efforts to establish peace and stability in this process, and that all countries should be sensitive to the rules of the Montreux Convention Regarding the Regime of the Straits, which are of great importance for the security of the region.
Özen, who shared Turkey’s steps in the defense industry, stated that they believe Turkish companies will make a great contribution to the future modernization projects of the Bulgarian army.
Bulgarian Defense Minister Tagarev also said that the modernization projects of the Bulgarian army are always open to Turkish companies.
The meeting then continued behind closed doors to the press.
