Prime minister Rumen Radev and Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed by phone today that Bulgaria and Turkey will do more together to keep shipping free in the Black Sea, the government press office said. The steps include talks between the two countries and three-way talks with Romania.

The two leaders back a moratorium on military strikes against merchant ships in the Black Sea, which Radev proposed at a European Council meeting. They say it is a sensible and workable way out that serves the interests of all countries.

Earlier on this story: Radev: NATO ready to help counter drones in Black Sea

Erdogan voiced sympathy over the drone strikes on merchant ships in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone. Radev welcomed the Turkish president's diplomatic initiative on the issue.

They also discussed how border crossings between the two countries can handle more traffic, and how to improve links between Bulgaria and Turkey, including with EU money.

Radev invited Erdogan to a high-level meeting in Sofia early next year. The meeting is held under the auspices of the European Commission and will focus on Europe's ties with Central Asia.