International relations are in a constant state of transformation due to the changing political, economic and strategic dynamics throughout history. As a reflection of this evolutionary process, relations between countries in different geographies have taken on different dimensions over time.
Relations between the United States and Bulgaria have a complex past and a future that extends beyond the past. The evolution of these relations is a reflection of major changes in the international arena. The friendship between the two countries began in the post-World War I period and continues to this day despite various challenges.
September 19, 1903 was the date of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Principality of Bulgaria and the United States of America. [1]John B. Jackson, U.S. Ambassador and Minister Plenipotentiary to Greece, Romania and Serbia, presented the Letter of Credence of U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt to His Royal Highness Prince Ferdinand of Bulgaria. The anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations continues to be celebrated every year on September 19 with a ceremony between the two states.
Following the establishment of relations, Bulgaria declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire on September 22, 1908. On May 3, 1909, the US officially recognized Bulgaria’s independence. The relations, which had been stable, took a downward turn with the outbreak of the Second World War. Forced by Germany, Bulgaria declared war on the United States of America (USA) on December 13, 1941. Following this, diplomatic relations were rebuilt in 1947 with the entry into force of the Paris Peace Treaty.
During the Cold War, Bulgaria, as a member of the Soviet Union bloc, was forced to build a wall in its relations with the United States. The limited relations gave way to permanent relations after the end of the Cold War when the US helped Bulgaria with democratic reforms and development. Bulgaria was invited to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on November 22, 2002. On March 29, 2004, Sofia handed over its accession documents to NATO in Washington, thus becoming part of the political and military alliance. [2]
Since then, the US and Bulgaria have been strategic partners in many areas. They have cooperated closely not only in political and military fields, but also in security, economic and cultural fields.
Since then, the US and Bulgaria have been strategic partners in many areas. They have cooperated closely not only in political and military fields, but also in security, economic and cultural fields. [3] In her opening remarks, Gabriel said that Bulgaria and the United States are closer than ever as friends, allies and partners. “Bulgaria is a strategic partner, an important ally and a friend,” Mariya Gabriel underlined in her opening remarks, emphasizing their cooperation once again.[4]
On September 25, 2023, the two states signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance cooperation against foreign information manipulation. According to this memorandum, it is intended to create a strong basis for the two countries to work together against the spread of disinformation and media manipulation, which is a growing threat in Central and Eastern Europe.[5]
As the two states celebrate their 120th year of friendship, they have decided to take joint steps towards their future goals. It was emphasized that they will act with a common mindset against global and regional challenges. They agreed to unite in support of Ukraine and aim for a secure, prosperous and interconnected Black Sea region, free from threats to its territorial integrity, economic pressures and malign influences.
Enhanced defense partnership to improve security in the Balkans and the Black Sea region, including the joint participation of the United States in the multinational NATO battle group being hosted by Bulgaria. [6] Together with these challenges, the aim is to reduce Bulgaria’s dependence on Russia for energy supplies and to diversify the national energy sector.
By working together, the two countries can continue to contribute to regional and international peace, stability and prosperity. The friendship between Bulgaria and the United States has historically followed a complex path, but has been strengthened by increased cooperation on democracy, economic cooperation and security issues. The two countries have come together on the basis of common values and interests and have become important partners in international affairs. Today, the friendship between Bulgaria and the United States is likely to further strengthen and deepen.
[1] U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria, “Аnniversary of Diplomatic Relations Between the U.S. and Bulgaria”, US Embassy, https://bg.usembassy.gov/anniversary-diplomatic-relations-u-s-bulgaria/, (Erişim Tarihi: 26.09.2023).
[2] Desıslava Toncheva, “19 Years after Bulgaria Joined NATO, Experts Comment on Its Importance and Challenges”, BTA, https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/432034-19-years-after-bulgaria-joined-nato-experts-comment-on-its-importance-and-chall, (Erişim Tarihi: 26.09.2023).
[3] Konstantın Karagyozov, “Second Session of Bulgaria-US Strategic Dialogue Opens in Washington”, BTA, https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/528902-second-session-of-bulgaria-us-strategic-dialogue-opens-in-washington#us, (Erişim Tarihi: 26.09.2023).
[4] Yoanna Vodenova, “Foreign Minister Gabriel Meets with US Secretary of State Blinken”, BTA, https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/529009-foreign-minister-gabriel-meets-with-us-secretary-of-state-blinken#us, (Erişim Tarihi: 26.09.2023).
[5] U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria, “U.S. and Bulgaria to Collaborate on Combatting Disinformation”, US Embassy, https://bg.usembassy.gov/u-s-and-bulgaria-to-collaborate-on-combatting-disinformation-09-25-2023/, (Erişim Tarihi: 26.09.2023).
[6] U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria, “The United States and Bulgaria Hold the Second high-level Strategic Dialogue”, US Embassy, https://bg.usembassy.gov/the-united-states-and-bulgaria-held-the-second-high-level-strategic-dialogue-09-25-2023/, (Erişim Tarihi: 26.09.2023).
