The two countries are witnessing a promising and continually evolving collaboration across diverse sectors.
In an interview with Ahram Online, Katratchev highlighted the substantial potential for further enhancing cooperation, particularly within the domains of energy and food security.
Ahram Online: How do you assess the current state of relations between Egypt and Bulgaria, particularly in terms of political and diplomatic aspects?
Deyan Katratchev: In 1926 Egypt became the first Arab country with which the Republic of Bulgaria officially established diplomatic relations. Our countries are bound together by a long tradition of friendly ties and mutually beneficial cooperation.
Today, Egypt is an essential partner of growing importance to Bulgaria and we are experiencing a promising and constantly expanding cooperation in various fields. Since 2018 we have achieved a new dynamic in our bilateral relations with an intense exchange of high-level visits, which led to raising the level of the active political dialogue maintained throughout the years. The accumulated impetus can be used to create the necessary framework and further deepen, enhance, and develop the significant untapped potential in various areas of our bilateral relations and cooperation. We are looking forward to celebrating the centenary of our bilateral ties in 2026.
AO: What shared strengths do both nations possess that can serve as a foundation for further advancing and nurturing bilateral relations?
DK: During these dynamic and troubled times, from an economic, energy, and food security point of view, Bulgaria and Egypt can benefit to each other in order to confront and overcome the various challenges they are facing.
There is significant potential to expand our cooperation in the field of energy and food security in particular. Egypt is well positioned to assist in securing part of the energy supplies needed by the growing Bulgarian economy. Moreover, Bulgaria conducts a consistent energy policy aimed not only at ensuring energy security for the country but also at establishing itself as a transit centre of energy resources flow to European and world markets.
In this regard, the diversification of supplies is a key element. In return, my country, which is among the leading producers of agricultural products and especially of a high quality wheat, can play its part in helping Egypt overcome the consequences of the global food crisis and diversify its imports.
The existing cooperation between the scientific and research institutions of both countries can be further developed and expanded.
Both countries possess a very rich cultural, archaeological, and historical heritage, the mutual promotion of which can increase the interest towards Bulgaria and Egypt and respectively expand tourist influx to the two countries as well.
Last but not least, both Bulgaria and Egypt have a similar outlook on international relations and a strong commitment to supporting multilateralism and international law and the UN Charter. Both countries can work together to support the peaceful resolution of various international crises and promote sustainable development. They have already established a good level of cooperation in the field of international candidatures, which can be further enhanced and developed.
AO: What are the priorities of your diplomatic agenda in Egypt?
DK: We are focused on holding the next round of political consultations between both foreign ministries, which is going to pave the road to the first session of the Joint Committee for Cooperation between Bulgaria and Egypt, inaugurated in 2018 and chaired by the two foreign ministers.
Furthermore, the two countries should prepare the return visit to Bulgaria of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, in response to the one made by President Rumen Radev in Egypt in March 2019.
AO: Do Egypt and Bulgaria share a mutual vision concerning matters of shared interest on both regional and global scales? This could encompass subjects like the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Middle East Peace Process.
DK: As I mentioned previously, Bulgaria and Egypt share a similar outlook on international relations and multilateralism, with a particular focus on some regional and international crises.
Concerning the war in Ukraine, Bulgaria in its national capacity as well as a member of the EU and NATO strongly condemns the unprovoked and unjustified aggression of Russia against a sovereign and independent Ukraine, in flagrant violation of international law and rules-based order.
Russia’s war against Ukraine is not merely another regional/local conflict. It has significantly undermined the global security architecture as a whole and the security of the Black Sea countries in particular. That’s why Bulgaria remains fully committed to the strong and unified NATO and EU response to the Russian military aggression against Ukraine and to the overall pattern of destabilizing behaviour, adopted by Moscow.
The new geopolitical environment created by this war has led to an increased focus by the EU and NATO on the stability and security of its immediate neighbourhood, including the Western Balkans and the Black Sea region. Bulgaria has consistently advocated for a stronger EU and NATO commitment to these regions and for the mobilization of all available tools to mitigate negative impacts for our partners in terms of energy supplies, food security, high inflation, increased hybrid threats and disinformation activities.
The continuing bloodshed and destruction, along with the complete disregard for human life and dignity, and the tragic plight of refugees, points to a scenario of continued hostilities and a “war of attrition”, leaving negotiations and diplomacy at the backstage.
The risks of escalation and proliferation become higher. It is in no one’s interest that this war of attrition and annihilation continues much longer, given the loss of life, the material toll and the human suffering it causes. We should take into consideration that Russia will continue to be the EU’s eastern neighbour. Future generations will have to find a modus vivendi as to incorporate this huge country and its citizens into a future European security architecture.
A form of peaceful coexistence will have to be installed between the EU and Russia, eventually. It is the responsibility of today’s politicians and diplomats to lay the groundwork, so that future generations of Ukrainians, Russians, and Europeans can live together in peace.
In this regard, we rely on the wisdom and the good understanding from our international allies and partners. Among them is Egypt who has always declared that its foreign policy is based on the principles of international law, the UN Charter, and the firm authority of the UN.
Bulgaria appreciates Egypt’s efforts directed towards ending this unjust war and returning to the negotiation table in accordance to the UN General Assembly resolutions.
With regards to the Middle East Peace Process, both Bulgaria and Egypt believe that the revitalization of the negotiations is the only possible way to achieving a just and sustainable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We support all efforts to restore a political horizon for the resumption of direct negotiations in order to achieve mutually acceptable, fair, sustainable, and peaceful two-state solution of the conflict as envisioned by the internationally agreed parameters and with respect to the concerns and aspirations of both peoples.
At the same time, Bulgaria follows with concern the news of the rise of tensions in the Middle East. We urge all parties to refrain from the use of force to safeguard regional peace, stability and security. We commend the leading role of Egypt as a moderator in the de-escalation process.
AO: Given Egypt's dedicated efforts towards the success of COP27, how can Bulgaria and Egypt collaborate to effectively address the challenges posed by climate change and work towards achieving sustainable development?
DK: We follow closely Egypt’s commitments towards the environment and highly value the country’s efforts and leadership to continue combating climate change and advancing an ambitious green transition agenda.
Bulgaria values the particular focus set by Egypt on delivering the commitments made at COP26 and the full implementation of the Paris Agreement. We welcome all the achievements of the conference, namely the establishment of a Fund for Loss and Damage. However, we would like to see more being done with regards to mitigation as well as future contributions to keep driving forward the green transition, achieving progress in implementing the necessary measures and bringing positive results, with a view of the upcoming COP28 in Dubai.
Bulgaria was represented at the highest political level at COP27, where President Rumen Radev announced the country’s candidacy to host the COP29 in 2024. Bulgaria will continue to work with the Egyptian and Emirati presidencies to combat the consequences of climate change, achieve sustainable development, and drive forward the green transition agenda.
AO: During COP27, President El-Sisi advocated for a ceasefire in the Ukrainian conflict. How do you perceive this initiative, and what role do you envision Egypt playing in supporting Europe amid these times of war, particularly in terms of gas supplies?
DK: As I mentioned already we appreciate any call to end this unprovoked and unjustified war, whose consequences are echoing worldwide and affecting a large portion of the countries, most strongly the ones in close proximity to the conflict and namely most of the Arab countries. Our common interest is to condemn this aggression on Ukraine and use all relevant fora to call on the aggressor to end it.
Egypt is increasingly becoming a key energy partner for Europe and particularly for Bulgaria, taking into account its potential as a supplier of natural gas and electricity from renewable energy sources. We follow with great attention the ambitious efforts of the Egyptian government to position the country as an energy hub for southeast Europe and potential bridge to the rest of the continent and play a key part at a critical time of serious challenges in the energy market.
Bulgaria also welcomes the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the EU, Egypt, and Israel as well as the partnership on renewable green hydrogen signed on the sidelines of COP27.
As a leading producer of wheat, sunflower seeds, sunflower oil, and other types of grain, we can offer our contribution to help Egypt and other MENA countries to overcome the challenges they are facing with regards to food security in the context of the global economic and food crisis.
AO: What is your assessment of the current economic and trade cooperation between Bulgaria and Egypt?
DK: Egypt has established itself as Bulgaria’s leading and most prominent trading partner in MENA. Before the disruption of global trade due to the Covid-19 pandemic trade volumes between the two countries had always been on the rise.
In 2019 the volume of bilateral trade hit a record level of $1.274 billion, with a positive balance for Egypt. There was a significant drop in 2020, reducing the figures almost halfway to $582.2 million. Since 2021 there has been a recovery and in 2022 we witnessed volumes of $830 million, which is a 40 percent increase compared to 2021.
The two countries are constantly looking for means to further develop and intensify their trade and economic cooperation, especially in the field of investments where it clearly does not reflect the full potential available.
Despite the agreement on the mutual promotion and protection of investments, signed by Bulgaria and Egypt in 1998, at the present moment the figures on both sides are modest and can be developed further.
Both countries possess and offer attractive investment incentives and the two governments need to make a greater effort in that regard to encourage the inflow of foreign funds, especially amid the current economic circumstances.
AO: With Egypt experiencing notable advancements in development and urbanization initiatives, encompassing smart cities and infrastructure projects, where do you identify potential areas for collaboration between our two nations in these domains?
DK: We are following with great interest the development of the socioeconomic situation in Egypt and we are impressed by the planning and realization of large-scale infrastructure projects as well as by Egypt’s desire to guarantee a decent life for its citizens with all the initiatives launched in that regard.
In this field, Bulgaria can also offer its fair share of expertise to Egypt, as historically we have maintained very good relations with a large number of Arab countries, and Bulgarian construction and engineering companies have constantly been present in the region. Bulgarian engineers and scientists are highly respected here and their expertise are very much appreciated and actively used with regards to large projects of strategic importance to the Egyptian government.
AO: Considering the potential for tourism in both Bulgaria and Egypt, what are the recent collaborative activities between the two nations in this sector?
DK: Tourism is indeed one of the more promising areas of cooperation as both countries have a very rich cultural, historical, and archaeological heritage and have become popular touristic destinations offering a wide range of possibilities. This has led to an annual increase in the number of tourists before the pandemic.
In 2018-2019, about 27,000 Bulgarians visited Egypt each year, while approximately 2,300 Egyptians visited Bulgaria in 2021. Without a doubt more can be done on that front and the two countries need to keep working on the prospects of enhancing cooperation this year.
To start with, the establishment of a direct flight between Sofia and Cairo is an important step, which will greatly contribute to the increase of the tourist influx to both countries. There has already been a decision by the Bulgarian Council of Ministers made in that regard and concrete steps taken.
AO: Reflecting on your experience in Egypt, how would you describe your time spent there? What is your impression of the people, and do you have a favourite Egyptian dish that you enjoy?
DK: My time in Egypt has been truly enjoyable. The warmth and hospitality of the people have left a positive impression on me. Regarding the cuisine, I've had the pleasure of savouring various delightful dishes. Among them, Fattah and Tamiya stand out as my personal favourites from the local Egyptian cuisine, both of which I find truly delicious.
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