Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi conducts official visits to Bulgaria

Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi conducted a series of official visits in Bulgaria, focusing on security cooperation and cultural ties. During his meetings in Sofia, Çiftçi met with his Bulgarian counterpart, Ivan Demerdzhiev, to discuss combating transnational crimes, including new-generation criminal organizations, drug trafficking, and irregular migration.

Çiftçi highlighted the importance of bilateral cooperation, noting that Turkey views its own security as inextricably linked to the security of its neighbors. Regarding judicial cooperation, the Minister announced that Bulgaria has extradited 89 individuals wanted by Turkey, with negotiations ongoing for an additional 19. In return, Turkey has extradited 24 individuals wanted by Bulgarian authorities.

Beyond security matters, Çiftçi engaged in cultural and religious diplomacy. He met with Grand Mufti Dr. Ahmed Hasanov at the Bulgarian Muslim Grand Muftiate to discuss the status of the Muslim community and the preservation of religious and cultural values. He also visited the Kadı Seyfullah Efendi Mosque (Banyabaşı Mosque) and other historical sites in Sofia, emphasizing the deep historical and cultural bonds between the two nations.