Bulgaria and Georgia Sign Agreement on Seafarers’ Certificates Recognition

Bulgaria’s Maritime Administration Executive Agency and Georgia’s Maritime Transport Agency have signed an agreement to mutually recognize seafarers’ certificates in accordance with international standards. The agreement allows seafarers certified for coastal navigation by one country to serve aboard ships flying the flag of the other country. This agreement is seen as a step towards developing sustainable multi-modal transport connectivity between Asia and Europe, with a focus on increasing the exchange of goods between the two countries.

The Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications from Bulgaria highlighted the potential for increased transportation of containers between the two countries through the ports of Burgas and Varna. The agreement is also expected to address the challenges faced by Black Sea countries in ferry transport development, given the changing geopolitical situation in Europe. Georgia’s Deputy Minister expressed support for the development of ferry connections and suggested that bilateral cooperation could be expanded to include railway transport, with the possibility of drafting a memorandum of cooperation between the two countries’ railway administrations.

Both delegations emphasized the importance of strengthening transportation links between Bulgaria and Georgia, particularly in the maritime and railway sectors. The agreement on mutual recognition of seafarers’ certificates is expected to facilitate smoother operations for seafarers serving on ships of the other country, ultimately contributing to increased trade and connectivity between the two nations. The potential for further collaboration in other transport sectors was also discussed, highlighting the willingness of both countries to explore new opportunities for cooperation in the field of transportation.

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