# Turkey-Bulgaria security and diplomatic cooperation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-bulgaria-security-and-diplomatic-cooperation
> Updated: 2026-08-20T09:02:00.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 2.

Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi conducted official visits to Bulgaria to strengthen security and cultural ties. In Sofia, Çiftçi met with Bulgarian counterpart Ivan Demerdzhiev to address transnational crime, drug trafficking, and irregular migration. 

During these discussions, it was noted that Bulgaria has extradited 89 individuals wanted by Turkey, with 19 more under negotiation, while Turkey has extradited 24 individuals wanted by Bulgarian authorities. Çiftçi also engaged in religious diplomacy by meeting with Grand Mufti Dr. Ahmed Hasanov to discuss the status of the Muslim community and visited historical sites to emphasize bilateral cultural bonds.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-20: Konya Science Festival opens with focus on national technology

Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi opened the 11th Konya Science Festival, highlighting Turkey's advancements in domestic defense and technology through the National Technology Move.

20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/minister-mustafa-ifti-visits-konya-for-science-festival-and-district-meetings

### 2026-08-11: Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi conducts official visits to Bulgaria

Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi visited Bulgaria to strengthen security cooperation against transnational crime and drug trafficking, while also engaging in cultural and religious diplomacy in Sofia.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkish-interior-minister-mustafa-ifti-conducts-official-visits-to-bulgaria

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Cite as: Turkey-Bulgaria security and diplomatic cooperation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-bulgaria-security-and-diplomatic-cooperation