As Bulgarian President Rumen Radev prepares for his official visit to Kazakhstan, the relationship between the two countries finds itself at a dynamic and promising crossroads. With decades of diplomatic relations and a recent surge in trade, energy cooperation, cultural exchanges, and mutual support in international affairs, Kazakhstan and Bulgaria are expanding their ties in both depth and scope.
Kazakhstan and Bulgaria first established diplomatic relations in 1992, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Bulgaria was quick to open its embassy in Kazakhstan in 1994, while Kazakhstan followed with the launch of its mission in Sofia a decade later, upgraded to an embassy in 2019. These early moves signaled a shared interest in fostering stable bilateral relations rooted in political goodwill.
High-level interactions have remained steady over the years. Bulgarian presidents have visited Kazakhstan on multiple occasions, and Kazakh leaders have met their Bulgarian counterparts on the sidelines of global events such as the UN General Assembly. Bulgaria has also supported Kazakhstan’s international ambitions, notably during its OSCE chairmanship in 2010 and its non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council from 2017 to 2018. In turn, Kazakhstan has endorsed Bulgaria’s initiatives, including its candidacy to the UN Human Rights Council.
Economically, relations have entered a new phase. In 2024, bilateral trade reached a record $375.2 million, nearly four times the 2023 figure. Kazakhstan’s exports alone amounted to $303.6 million, with crude oil as the dominant commodity. The dramatic increase in oil exports—jumping 48 times to $242.2 million—underscores Bulgaria’s growing reliance on Kazakh energy to diversify its supply sources in an increasingly volatile global market.
Beyond oil, Kazakhstan’s exports to Bulgaria now include aluminum, electronics, ferroalloys, and essential oils. At the same time, Bulgaria’s exports to Kazakhstan rose to $71.6 million, led by pharmaceutical products. Bulgarian exports have also diversified, with significant growth in food, cosmetics, beer, chocolate, and electrical equipment. This mutual expansion points to a more balanced and multi-sectoral economic partnership.
Foreign direct investment has also gained momentum. Between 2005 and 2024, Bulgarian companies invested $76.3 million in Kazakhstan. The upward trend continued in 2024, with Bulgaria injecting $7.8 million into the Kazakh economy—an 86.5% year-over-year increase. Over 100 Bulgarian-capital companies are now registered in Kazakhstan, reflecting confidence in the country’s investment climate.
Efforts to strengthen ties go beyond economics. At the fifth Kazakhstan-Bulgaria Intergovernmental Commission meeting held in Sofia this May, leaders discussed new areas of cooperation such as agriculture, green technologies, logistics, and machine manufacturing. Kazakhstan invited Bulgarian businesses to explore export-oriented production and pledged full support, including regulatory assistance and infrastructure access.
Cultural and educational exchanges form another crucial pillar of the bilateral relationship. Kazakhstan operates three cultural centers in Bulgaria, and streets in Sofia and Varna have been named after Astana and the poet Abai. Dozens of Kazakh students are studying in Bulgarian universities, while scientific cooperation has expanded with joint academic conferences and memorandums of understanding.
Looking ahead, prospects for bilateral cooperation appear strong and resilient. Discussions are underway to create sister-city relationships between Astana and Sofia, and between Shymkent and Plovdiv, further institutionalizing people-to-people connections. President Radev’s visit is expected to deepen ties in energy, science, education, and diplomacy.
With shared goals in regional security, energy diversification, and economic modernization, Kazakhstan and Bulgaria stand poised to transform their partnership into a long-term strategic alliance. As both nations navigate a shifting global landscape, mutual respect, complementary interests, and a strong foundation of friendship continue to bind Astana and Sofia together.
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