Prime Minister Andrey Gurov: Our focus is on evacuation of Bulgarian citizens from conflict zone

Prime Minister Andrey Gurov: Our focus is on evacuation of Bulgarian citizens from conflict zone

03.03.2026

"Our focus is on the evacuation of Bulgarian citizens from the zone of the military conflict in the fastest way but with a priority on safety." This was stated by Prime Minister Andrey Gurov after an operational meeting on the situation in the Middle East.

As he put it, the situation continues to be volatile and subject to real-time monitoring by the institutions. The main priority is the safe return home of the Bulgarian citizens, without taking needless risks. We keep in touch all the time with the Bulgarian missions and security services and the whereabouts and the number of Bulgarians in the struck regions have been communicated.

"We have a sufficient number of airplanes that are prepared for flights upon confirmations of the routes," Prime Minister Andrey Gurov said as he expressed his hope that they will start in the coming days.

In his answer to a question from the media about the economic implications and energy prices arising from the crisis, the Prime Minister noted that a reaction is already being observed on international markets. "Bulgaria has a long-term contract based on an average price and oil derivatives, which gives us stability in short-term crises," Prime Minister Andrey Gurov said further.

Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov emphasized that Bulgaria definitely is not involved in the operations of the United States and Iran. As he put it, there is no reason for Bulgaria to be the target of an attack. "As a NATO member state, the country's security is guaranteed under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty. A possible attack against an allied state would trigger the mechanisms of collective defense," the Defense Minister said further.

Foreign Minister Nadezhda Neynsky stated that detailed lists of Bulgarian citizens in the stricken states have been compiled and are updated in real time. In some countries, including Saudi Arabia, evacuation is not needed at present as airports are operating normally. In other countries where Bulgarians make up a more significant number, active measures are taken to organize their evacuation. Constant coordination is being maintained with partner states in the region, including Greece, Turkey and the Gulf countries. The Foreign Minister talked with her homologues and mutual willingness for cooperation and solidarity was expressed during the talks. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to work in full coordination with the institutions in charge while the security and safe return of Bulgarian citizens remain a priority.