I requested information looking back in time as to how Turkey had accounted for the Bulgarian side's requirements, given that we had not discussed this topic at all. While digging back, Prime Minister Radev found a BTA publication from June of last year, when the same minister had a meeting with then-Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, in which the 'Cherno More' (Black Sea) motorway was discussed. According to Radev, there are documented orders and reports indicating that representatives of the regional ministry had visited Turkey to discuss the parameters of a future concession. The Prime Minister noted that he understands the motives of the Zhelyazkov government, which sought expeditious ways to build the project, but emphasized that the current administration has not made any commitments on the matter.
Distinguishing the actions of his cabinet from those of his predecessors, the Prime Minister stated before Parliament that during his meetings with President Erdogan and the Turkish Minister of Transport, the specific 'Cherno More' and 'Ruse-Makaza' projects were not a subject of discussion. Radev expressed surprise at the public statements of the Turkish Minister of Transport, who had shared information about ongoing joint work, suggesting that the Turkish guest simply counted on continuity in bilateral talks, as he had been negotiating with the Bulgarian state, but with a different government, not his own.
Rumen Radev's comment was made in response to a parliamentary question from Slavi Vasilev ('Progressive Bulgaria'), raised during the parliamentary blitz control. The Prime Minister clarified that although his government has had no involvement in the negotiations to date, the future construction of the mentioned road arteries is planned to be implemented through concessions and public-private partnerships. He was categorical that this would only happen through 'a free and open tender at the most favorable price and terms'.