In an exclusive interview with Ahram Online, Bulgarian Ambassador Deyan Katratchev traces Egypt-Bulgaria relations from their ancient civilizational roots to a modern strategic partnership, highlighting Egypt’s historic role as Bulgaria’s gateway to the Arab world and its contemporary position as a pillar of regional stability.
As preparations intensify for President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi’s landmark visit to Sofia, Katratchev outlines an ambitious agenda spanning energy, maritime connectivity, trade, and cultural diplomacy, built on a century of trust and cooperation.
Ahram Online: As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, how would you describe the evolution of the Cairo–Sofia partnership?
Deyan Katratchev: Relations between Bulgaria and Egypt are defined by exceptional historical depth and continuity. As ancient civilizations and natural crossroads between continents, our lands have long witnessed sustained interaction—commercial, cultural, and religious.
Historical evidence ranges from the spread of Egyptian cults into Thrace during the Hellenistic and Roman eras, to Athanasius of Alexandria’s journey to the Council of Serdica in 343, medieval diplomatic exchanges, and the travels of Bulgarian monks to St Catherine’s Monastery carrying rare manuscripts.
Egypt has also historically served as Bulgaria’s gateway to the Middle East and Africa. In the 19th century, well before Bulgaria’s liberation, Bulgarian merchants settled in Alexandria and Cairo, forming a vibrant community and building strong commercial ties. This legacy explains why Egypt became the first Arab country to establish diplomatic relations with Bulgaria in 1926.
Over the past century, our ties have evolved into a mature, multifaceted partnership based on trust and mutual respect. In recent years, high-level exchanges and new cooperation mechanisms have given fresh momentum to this relationship, which we expect to elevate to a strategic level during the centenary celebrations in 2026.
AO: What are the “golden achievements” of this relationship?
DK: Foremost are the strong foundation of political trust and people-to-people ties. Egypt’s early recognition of Bulgaria in 1926 remains deeply symbolic.
Equally important is the resilience of our relations. They have endured two world wars, regional crises, and global transformations, while remaining constructive and forward-looking.
More recently, the reactivation of high-level dialogue and the establishment of a Joint Commission for Cooperation, led by our foreign ministers, marked a significant step toward a more strategic partnership. Trade and investment have reached record levels, Bulgaria has contributed to Egypt’s food security through wheat exports, and tourism flows have grown steadily.
AO: What are the priorities for President El-Sisi’s upcoming visit to Bulgaria?
DK: President El-Sisi’s visit will be a landmark event. Talks will focus on political dialogue and cooperation in energy, trade, transport, connectivity, security, and people-to-people relations.
Coinciding with the centenary of diplomatic ties, the visit is expected to elevate relations to a strategic level, reflecting both the excellent state of our bilateral relations and the broader EU–Egypt partnership.
Preparations include updating our legal framework, particularly in transport and connectivity. We anticipate agreements on maritime shipping and cooperation between the Bulgarian Ports Infrastructure Authority and the Port of Alexandria, as well as a new Air Services Agreement enabling direct flights between Cairo and Sofia.
There is also potential for cooperation in labour mobility, electricity, and renewable energy.
AO: How does Bulgaria view Egypt’s regional role?
DK: Bulgaria sees Egypt as a cornerstone of stability in the Middle East and Africa. Egypt’s moderate, responsible diplomacy and active engagement have consistently contributed to de-escalation and dialogue.
Coordination takes place bilaterally and through multilateral frameworks such as the EU and the Union for the Mediterranean. We share priorities in counterterrorism, migration management, and regional stability, and regard Egypt as an indispensable partner.
AO: Trade has expanded significantly. Where do opportunities lie?
DK: Egypt is Bulgaria’s leading trade partner in the Middle East and Africa. In 2024, bilateral trade reached a record $1.81 billion, a 41 percent increase, with a positive balance in Egypt’s favour. Bulgaria ranked as Egypt’s eighth-largest EU trade partner.
Bulgaria is now Egypt’s fourth-largest wheat supplier, supporting food security and highlighting the strategic dimension of our agricultural cooperation.
Investment is also growing, particularly in IT, outsourcing, food production, agriculture, and textiles. A Bulgarian company’s receipt of a golden licence in 2024 reflects rising investor confidence. Egypt’s strategic location, incentives, and access to African markets make it an increasingly attractive destination.
AO: How can Bulgaria support Egypt’s Vision 2030?
DK: Bulgaria has strong expertise in manufacturing, engineering, and information technologies. Sofia hosts South-East Europe’s largest AI centre, INSAIT, offering significant cooperation potential.
These strengths align closely with Egypt’s Vision 2030, particularly in industrial modernisation and digital transformation. Bulgarian experts are already contributing to major projects, including consultancy work on Egypt’s first nuclear power plant at Al-Dab’aa.
AO: Are Bulgarian companies interested in the Suez Canal Economic Zone?
DK: Yes. Bulgarian business circles closely follow the Suez Canal Economic Zone. Its strategic location and modern infrastructure make it a natural hub for logistics and manufacturing. During the latest Joint Commission session in Cairo, Bulgarian companies visited the zone and held constructive talks with Egyptian authorities.
AO: What about energy cooperation?
DK: Energy is among the most promising areas of cooperation. Bulgaria views Egypt as a key partner and an emerging regional energy hub.
A memorandum signed in Cairo in February 2024 provides a framework for cooperation in natural gas, LNG, renewable energy, and green hydrogen. As an EU member state, Bulgaria also supports Egypt’s green transition and electricity interconnection projects linking Egyptian renewables to Europe.
AO: Are there upcoming cultural initiatives?
DK: Culture is a vital bridge between our societies. Bulgarian musicians and artists have made lasting contributions to Egypt’s cultural life, including at the Cairo Opera Orchestra.
To mark the centenary of diplomatic relations, a series of concerts, exhibitions, and film screenings is planned. Highlights include performances by the Grammy-winning Bulgarian Choir, The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices, at the Cairo Opera House and Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
Exhibitions on Egyptian cults in ancient Thrace will also be held at Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. Bulgaria’s archaeological mission in Luxor, active for over 13 years, remains a flagship example of scientific cooperation.
AO: How strong is educational cooperation?
DK: Educational exchange is a long-standing pillar of our relations. Many Egyptians have graduated from Bulgarian universities, creating enduring links.
Bulgaria continues to offer scholarships in medicine, engineering, IT, and the natural sciences, and encourages academic partnerships and joint research, particularly between the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and Egyptian institutions.
AO: Finally, tourism?
DK: Tourism holds significant untapped potential. In 2024, more than 50,500 Bulgarian tourists visited Egypt between January and October, a historic record.
Ongoing discussions aim to expand air connectivity and increase direct flights, which would further boost tourism and people-to-people exchange.
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