Bulgaria prepares international initiative on Black Sea shipping security

Bulgaria is preparing an international initiative aimed at ensuring freedom and safety of navigation in the Black Sea. Sofia plans to work on an agreement with countries in the region and other interested parties, Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova said during the UN General Assembly.

According to Iotova, Bulgaria is proposing joint action to reduce risks to civilian shipping. Sofia also intends to bring greater attention to the initiative at the UN level.

Bulgaria views Black Sea security as an important part of its national security. Iotova said Sofia wants the Black Sea to become an area of safe transport, trade, energy and digital corridors.

Black Sea shipping security has recently returned to the center of international discussions. On September 23, Egypt, India and Turkey also presented proposals on safe navigation in the Black Sea, while the EU separately called for an end to attacks on civilian vessels and port infrastructure.

For agricultural markets, stable Black Sea routes remain critically important, as they handle significant volumes of Ukrainian grain exports to global markets. The importance of keeping these routes operating for food security, including in African countries, has also been highlighted at the UN Security Council.

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Tags: Bulgaria, EU, Black Sea region, shipping, logistics, UN