Turkey – Bulgaria Relations

Introduction

Turkey and Bulgaria are known to have a similar history dating back to over fifty decades ago in the Ottoman Empire where there arose pressure between the associations between the two countries in 1908. They engaged in conflict in Balkan Wars and later joined as a single pact in the First World War where Bulgaria backed Turkey composing of 30 groups with the Turks staying in Adrianople. The Turks lost and went to back Bulgaria in their engagement with Greece (U.S. Library of Congress, n.d). Later when Turkey gained autonomy the relations were not good due to the revisionist laws by Bulgaria.

In the process of the Cold War, the two countries were part of varied groups: Bulgaria joined the Soviet while Turkey became in a group known as NATO. It was from that time that connections between the two nations were reliant on the groups they were in.

At the start of 1980, the connections between the two countries were friendly with visits between the two heads. This was not long when Bulgaria started assimilation actions on the Turks. They were mistreated with being bitten and raped. The Turks protested this though nothing was done; certain demonstrators were killed while other was jailed. This heightened the situation.

In 1989 deportation of activists was done in Turkey. A good number of Turks moved to Turkey, it was this that led to the agreement between Bulgaria and Turkey. This was turned down by Bulgaria who later in the years received protests for its assimilations. NATO was called in to help considering that it did not show any help (Bishku, 2003). Bulgaria was consequently pushed to put pen to paper in the emigration treaty. As a further push, EC put a halt on trade arrangement with Bulgaria this led to the collapse of Zhivkov rule. It I here that the Turks had their rights restored. Bulgaria aimed to mend it relations with Turkey so as to be part of the Western bloc.

Bulgaria Foreign Policy

Mladenov took power and offer apologies on the assimilation campaign. Bulgaria was in an attempt to remodel its face with its neighbors though changing its rules. Efforts were made for Bulgaria to become part of NATO. This was however reliant on the relations between Turkey and Bulgaria as well as other close countries.

As an aspect of good measure, Bulgaria sent its military on peace keeping efforts in the banner of the UN, it help the US and its friends in the Gulf War, issued restriction to Libya and other countries even though it hurt its economy.

The relations between the two countries in the 1990s may be well comprehended in the model of Bulgaria’s efforts. It has to be known that Bulgaria developed its connection with Greece so as to acquire equilibrium with the two nations (Demirtas-coskun, n.d.; Focus Information Agency, 2012). The post-cold war foreign rule of Bulgaria is based on the application of the communist notion, European aspects, and democratization of foreign policy with regard to agreement and clarity and coherence in making choices.

Turkish Foreign Policy

The foreign policy was with regard to keeping autonomy and innovativeness. It is grounded on the western culture. The crisis between Turkey and Bulgaria led to a policy by the Turks to denounce the actions being perpetrated by Bulgaria, however with things getting cool with Turkey going for activist policy. This rule presented a vital component to the advancement of the relations between the two nations. Revenge was not part of Turkey.

Bulgaria was a vital part in the foreign aspects of Turkey. In the first case, Bulgaria was important considering its position. Secondly, the Ottoman rule was a major part of Balkan for a number of years hence it was not possible to be separated from Turkey with regard to culture and political as well as economic progress. Third of all, Turkey had its connections in Bulgaria in Muslim more so in the Ottoman era.

In the year 2012, meetings between the two countries have witnessed great advancement in their relations. An agreement was reached between Turkish leaders and Bulgaria on an energy mutual aid as well as other a number of other contracts based on economy, culture and communications. In addition to this, trade between the two countries has since grown recording $42 million in 1990. This went up in 20011 to $4billion. Investment between the two countries is fast taking pace and quite rich for commercial activities as Bulgaria is the path used by Turks when heading to Europe Union.

Economic and political relations are upheld by activities undertaken by the two countries. The Border agreement targets to acquire constant advancement and make rigid relations along the border to bring about a rigid European relations and composition.

Cultural connection has similarly taken shape which have acquired base at present. The Turks that live in Bulgaria act as a pathway to tow nations. Turks are accorded the same rights when coming up with choices that would bring about steadiness in Bulgaria’s economy as well as advancement. Bulgaria has set up tourism spots in Turkey with it being promoted by ships and trains. There is an omission of Bulgarians tat desire to go to Turkey (Focus Information Agency, 2012). With the entrance in NATO of Bulgaria there were heightened connections in regards to security. Bulgaria backs Turkeys EU desire while Turkey has its intentions sin advancing changes in EU activities.

Conclusively, development has been noted in the past twenty years. The productive relations between the two countries are grounded on complete integration with European-Atlantic models which add to the forecast of democratic aspects, steadiness and success in the area. With a good relations established between the two nations, they are similarly part of NATO and EU.

References

Bishku, M., (2003).Turkish-Bulgarian Relations: From Conflict and Distrust to Cooperation over           Minority Issues and International Politics. Mediterranean Quarterly, Volume 14, Number          2, Spring pp. 77-94.

U.S. Library of Congress (n.d.). Bulgaria Relations with Yugoslavia, Romania, Greece and Turkey. Retrieved from: http://countrystudies.us/bulgaria/57.htm

Demirtas-coskun, B., (n.d.).Turkish-Bulgarian Relations in the Post-Cold War Era: The             Exemplary Relationship in the Balkans. The Turkish Yearbook Vol 32. Retrieved from: http://dergiler.ankara.edu.tr/dergiler/44/672/8556.pdf

Focus Information Agency (2012). Southeast Europe and Balkans: Bulgaria supports Turkey’s        European prospects: Bulgaria President. Retrieved from: http://www.focus-       fen.net/?id=n293531