Bulgaria’s President Radev: 'Iraq Key to Europe’s Energy Future, Calls for Swift Kirkuk-Ceyhan Pipeline Restoration'
"President Radev expressed his appreciation for the contribution of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to the promotion of stability and development in Iraq and the Middle East region," the statement read.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met with Bulgarian President Rumen Radev on the sidelines of the 2025 Munich Security Conference on Saturday, where the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening economic, security, and diplomatic relations between the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and Bulgaria.
According to a statement released by the Bulgarian Presidency, President Radev emphasized Iraq’s potential to supply energy resources to Europe, including through green energy transmission projects. He also expressed his hope for the swift restoration of the Kirkuk-Ceyhan oil pipeline, which he described as a key factor in facilitating direct crude oil supplies from Iraq to Europe.
"President Radev expressed his appreciation for the contribution of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to the promotion of stability and development in Iraq and the Middle East region," the statement read. He further highlighted the importance of strengthening state institutions in the Kurdistan Region and expressed hope for the swift formation of a regional government, which he believes will further enhance diplomatic and economic relations between the Kurdistan Region and Bulgaria.
The two leaders also discussed the Kurdistan Region’s critical role in countering terrorism, with President Radev acknowledging the region’s contributions to maintaining security in Iraq and the broader Middle East.
Following the meeting, President Barzani shared on his personal X account: "I am pleased to meet with the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Rumen Radev. We discussed shared priorities and ways to strengthen Kurdistan Region and Iraq’s ties with Bulgaria."
I am pleased to meet with @PresidentOfBg Rumen Radev.
— Nechirvan Barzani (@IKRPresident) February 15, 2025
We discussed shared priorities and ways to strengthen KRI and Iraq’s ties with Bulgaria. pic.twitter.com/81dpBaMJLQ
Diplomatic, Security, and Economic Ties Between Kurdistan and Bulgaria
The Kurdistan Region and Bulgaria have enjoyed strong diplomatic, security, and economic relations in recent years, with Bulgaria recognizing the Kurdistan Region as an important partner in trade and investment. Over the years, both sides have expanded their collaboration in various sectors, including energy, agriculture, and infrastructure. Bulgarian businesses have increasingly shown interest in investing in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, leveraging the region’s strategic position and investment-friendly environment.
In the security sector, Bulgaria has been a committed member of the international coalition against ISIS, providing logistical and military support to stabilize Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. The cooperation between Bulgaria and the Peshmerga forces has been instrumental in strengthening the region’s defense capabilities.
A previous meeting between President Nechirvan Barzani and President Rumen Radev in June 2023 further reinforced these growing ties. In that meeting, the two leaders discussed strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between Kurdistan and Bulgaria. President Radev emphasized the importance of economic cooperation and Bulgaria’s interest in expanding its engagement with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. The meeting, as reported by Kurdistan24, highlighted both nations’ shared commitment to deepening trade and diplomatic relations.
Read More: Kurdistan Region President, Bulgarian President discuss strengthening ties
The Role of Bulgaria’s Embassy in Baghdad and Stanislav Nokov’s Contributions
A key figure in advancing Bulgarian-Kurdish ties has been Stanislav Nokov, Head of the Commercial and Economic Section of the Bulgarian Embassy in Baghdad. Over the past two years, Nokov has played a pivotal role in transforming Bulgaria’s diplomatic and economic policies toward Iraq and the Kurdistan Region into concrete actions on the ground.
Nokov has been instrumental in organizing high-level visits between Bulgarian and Kurdish business owners, facilitating investment opportunities, and increasing trade exchange between the two sides. His efforts have helped identify areas where Bulgarian investors could contribute to Kurdistan’s economic growth, including in energy, agriculture, and infrastructure. Simultaneously, he has also highlighted investment opportunities in Bulgaria for Kurdish and Iraqi business owners, fostering a mutually beneficial economic partnership.
Under Nokov’s guidance, trade volume between Bulgaria and Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, has significantly increased, strengthening economic ties and positioning Bulgaria as a strategic partner for Kurdish and Iraqi businesses.
President Radev’s Role in Strengthening Bulgaria’s Global Economic Relations
Since assuming office on Jan. 22, 2017, President Rumen Radev has prioritized expanding Bulgaria’s economic and diplomatic presence on the global stage. Through strategic partnerships with countries in Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, Radev has played a key role in attracting foreign investment and boosting Bulgaria’s economic growth. His diplomatic approach has focused on fostering bilateral trade agreements, enhancing security cooperation, and supporting energy diversification projects.
In his discussions with President Barzani, Radev reaffirmed Bulgaria’s commitment to deepening its engagement with the Kurdistan Region, recognizing the region’s potential as a crucial partner in regional stability and economic development. His administration’s proactive efforts in strengthening ties with Erbil reflect Bulgaria’s broader strategy of expanding its influence in the Middle East through investment, trade, and security collaboration.
Looking Ahead
The meeting between President Nechirvan Barzani and President Rumen Radev at the Munich Security Conference underscores the growing importance of Kurdistan-Bulgaria relations. With an increasing focus on economic cooperation, security collaboration, and energy partnerships, both sides are poised to strengthen their ties in the coming years, fostering new opportunities for trade, investment, and regional stability.