Bulgaria Seeks Clarification from Turkey over Tanker Kairos Entering Bulgarian Waters

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on December 8 said that Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications Grozdan Karadzhov held a meeting with the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Bulgaria, Mehmet Uyanık.

The meeting, initiated by the Bulgarian side on Friday, was convened in connection with the incident involving the tanker Kairos, which dropped anchor near Ahtopol, and the need for a full and timely clarification of all circumstances surrounding the case.

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Minister Georgiev requested information on the reasons for, and the manner in which, the vessel entered Bulgarian territorial waters, emphasising the expectation of open and constructive cooperation from the relevant Turkish authorities.

Minister Karadzhov provided detailed information on the movement of the tug TIMUR BEY from Turkish into Bulgarian territorial waters, as well as the precise coordinates where the towing of the tanker Kairos began.

The data clearly indicate movement towards the Bulgarian coast, entry into Bulgarian territorial waters, and the abandonment of the tanker six nautical miles from the shoreline.

The meeting also addressed issues related to regional security in the Black Sea. Minister Georgiev highlighted the strategic importance of the region for European and transatlantic security, particularly in the context of ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine.

He stressed the need for strengthened coordination within NATO, improved situational awareness, and effective measures against hybrid threats.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to monitor the situation closely and maintain active coordination with the relevant institutions and allied partners.