Saudi Arabia & Bulgaria: A Growing Partnership Anchored in Security and Economy

Saudi Arabia and Bulgaria have reached consensus on bolstering bilateral military and defense cooperation following a high-level conversation between the defense ministers of both countries.

This agreement comes amid heightened regional tensions, reflecting a shared commitment to addressing common challenges and threats. It also underscores the expanding security and economic relations between Riyadh and Sofia, charting a course for a solid partnership bridging the Gulf and Southeast Europe.

A Critical Security Dialogue

Driving the News: Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman held a phone conversation with his Bulgarian counterpart Dimitar Stoyanov on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

The Big Picture: During the call, the two defense ministers discussed avenues for expanding cooperation in the military and defense sectors to serve mutual interests of both countries.

What to Watch: Discussions between Prince Khalid bin Salman and Stoyanov addressed ways to boost regional security and stability, as well as other regional and international issues of common concern.

Growing Alignment

State of Play: In response to the Iranian-backed Houthi militia attacks on Saudi Arabia‘s civilian and energy facilities, Bulgaria condemned this “unacceptable” aggression, voicing its strong support for the Kingdom and its efforts to achieve a comprehensive, inclusive, and lasting peace in Yemen.

The Backstory: Since late February, regional tensions have sparked against the backdrop of the US-Iran conflict. In recent weeks, the Iranian-backed Houthis have been targeting Saudi civilian and energy facilities, including the Holy City of Makkah, with drones and missiles. The terrorist militia has also threatened commercial shipping in the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea.

What It Said: “Such attacks are unacceptable and constitute a dangerous escalation that undermines regional security and efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Yemen.” – The Foreign Ministry of Bulgaria noted in a statement in mid-September.

Riyadh-Sofia Security Cooperation

Between the Lines: Riyadh and Sofia have enhanced their security and defense ties. This took shape in bilateral discussions between the Saudi Interior Minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud, and his Bulgarian counterpart, Daniel Mitov, in November 2025 in Riyadh. During their meeting, the two ministers explored ways to strengthen security cooperation.

The Catalyst: On the sidelines of the World Defense Show 2026 (WDS 2026) in Riyadh, the Saudi Interior Ministry and Bulgarian company Arsenal signed two contracts aimed at bolstering community security and safety and combating crime.

Why It Matters: Saudi Arabia is diversifying and expanding its security and defense partnerships, in line with its Vision 2030 objectives of modernizing security and military infrastructure and achieving defense autonomy.

The Goal: Saudi Arabia aims to localize more than 50% of its military spending by 2030. These efforts are spearheaded by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), alongside Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), the Kingdom’s commercial defense champion. By the end of 2024, the localization rate of military spending reached around 25%, surging from 4% in 2018.

Economy at the Core

Zoom In: Saudi-Bulgarian ties are grounded in robust economic cooperation. In March 2023, Sofia and Riyadh agreed to establish a joint committee to implement their bilateral General Agreement on Cooperation. The Joint Committee for Economic Cooperation is tasked with boosting economic relations between Saudi Arabia and Bulgaria and identifying new opportunities in various sectors, including economy, energy, mineral resources, healthcare, technology, defense, security, and sports.

The Expo Factor: In February 2023, Bulgaria officially endorsed Saudi Arabia’s bid to host World Expo 2030 in Riyadh, paving the way for increased trade and investment between the two countries.

By the Numbers: Saudi-Bulgarian Trade (Bulgarian Ministry of Economy, Investments, and Industry)

• $188 million: Total bilateral trade volume between Saudi Arabia and Bulgaria in the first eight months of 2024.
• $155.9 million: Value of Bulgarian exports to Saudi Arabia in the first eight months of 2024.
• $32.9 million: Value of imports from Saudi Arabia to Bulgaria in the first eight months of 2024.
• 6 Sectors: Identified Bulgarian export opportunities to the Kingdom: food and agriculture, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, IT products, engineering, electronics, and electrical engineering.

The Takeaway: Saudi-Bulgarian defense talks reflect growing ties across various sectors. Through Sofia, Riyadh gains a strategic bridge to Eastern European supply chains and markets, while positioning the Kingdom as Bulgaria’s primary gateway to Gulf markets.