Deputy Minister of Industry and Technology Muhammet Kasım Gönüllü, Bulgarian Ambassador to Ankara Anguel Tcholakov, President of TÜBİTAK Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın, President of TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center (MAM) Prof. Dr. Burcu Özsoy and Director of the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute Prof. Dr. Christo Pimpirev attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition.
Bilateral Cooperation and Joint Studies Emphasized
Ambassador of Bulgaria to Ankara Anguel Tcholakovin his opening speech, "Bulgaria-Turkey are neighbors even in Antarctica" He emphasized that the exhibition symbolizes the deep-rooted friendship of the two countries and their cooperation in every field. "Bulgaria and Turkey continue to act together as friends, neighbors and allies in all circumstances. We carry out joint projects in many fields such as science, security, defense and cultural heritage. Our scientific work in Antarctica is a strong reflection of this cooperation." He said.
Ambassador Tcholakov also said Prof. Dr. Christo Pimpirev, Director of the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute He also mentioned his scientific work in Antarctica and his contributions to polar research between the two countries, the projects carried out by scientists together will open the door to greater achievements in the future he said.
"We aim to become a leading country in polar sciences and strengthen our international cooperation in this field"
In his speech, Deputy Minister of Industry and Technology Muhammet Kasım Gönüllü drew attention to Turkey's vision in the field of polar sciences and said the following:
"Antarctica is not only a center for scientific research, but also a common heritage of humanity. As Turkey, we aim to become a leading country in polar sciences in line with our National Technology Move vision and to strengthen our international cooperation in this field. Since 2017, our national Antarctic science expeditions have enabled our scientists to contribute to global research. The cooperation between Turkey and Bulgaria is not limited to scientific studies; it also creates new opportunities for our young researchers and increases the scientific interaction of the two countries."
"Our cooperation with Bulgaria is a good example of science diplomacy"
Emphasizing the critical role of Antarctica in terms of global scientific research, Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın, President of TÜBİTAK, said: "As Turkey, we are determined to strengthen our scientific presence in Antarctica and increase our international cooperation. Our cooperation with Bulgaria is a good example of science diplomacy. " he said. Stating that the cooperation of the two countries in the scientific and academic field has the potential to go further, Aydın said, "We believe that we can reach better capacity."
10 Years of Joint Scientific Work in Antarctica
Prof. Dr. Christo Pimpirev, Director of the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute, reminded that Bulgaria and Turkey signed a memorandum of understanding 10 years ago for scientific studies on Antarctica and drew attention to the efficiency of cooperation. Stating that there are deep historical ties between the two countries, Pimpirev emphasized the common values and friendship of Bulgaria and Turkey.
Prof. Dr. Burcu Özsoy, President of TÜBİTAK MAM and Director of the Polar Research Institute (KARE), stated that before the Covid-19 pandemic, Turkish researchers used Bulgaria's Antarctic infrastructure, while Bulgarian researchers accessed different parts of the continent through Turkish expeditions. Stating that post-pandemic cooperation entered a new phase with the launch of Bulgaria's first polar marine research vessel, Özsoy said, "Therefore, while the researcher exchange programs between the two countries continued in 2022, logistics cooperation reached new heights."
In 2014 and 2015, 2 Turkish scientists participated in Bulgaria's Antarctic expeditions with their individual initiatives. In 2018, 2 Turkish researchers were sent to Bulgaria's science base in Antarctica. In the following period, Bulgarian scientists were hosted in our National Antarctic Science Expeditions (TAE) and Turkish scientists carried out their studies at Bulgaria's science base in Antarctica. Since 2020, processes have been carried out within the scope of the bilateral cooperation agreement signed between KARE and BAI.
Within the scope of bilateral cooperation, more than 100 Bulgarian scientists have been hosted on Turkey's "Chile-Antarctica, Antarctica-Chile" flights. For the last 3 years, the scientific cargoes sent by Turkey for its studies in Antarctica have been carried from Varna to Antarctica by Bulgaria on the Bulgarian ship NAVAL-RSV-421.
In 2024, TAE-VIII hosted one Bulgarian researcher and one Turkish researcher carried out their studies at Bulgaria's Antarctic base. Within the scope of the same expedition, a total of 15 Bulgarian researchers were hosted on Turkey's Antarctic flights, including 3 Bulgarian researchers from the south and 9 researchers from the north. TAE-VIII cargoes were delivered to Antarctica via Varna with a Bulgarian ship. Again in 2024, during the Fourth National Arctic Scientific Research Expedition (TASE-IV), a Bulgarian researcher carried out his work on the expedition.
Bulgarian delegation visits TUBITAK before the exhibition
Within the framework of bilateral cooperation prior to the exhibition, Bulgarian Ambassador to Ankara Anguel Tcholakov and the accompanying delegation paid a visit to TÜBİTAK Headquarters. During the meeting hosted by Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın, President of TÜBİTAK, the scientific cooperation between the two countries, especially the joint work in Antarctica, was discussed.
TÜBİTAK President Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın emphasized that the cooperation between Turkey and Bulgaria in polar research sets an important example in terms of advancing scientific discoveries as well as developing joint solutions to global problems. Beyond Antarctic research, successful collaborations between TUBITAK and the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS) and the Bulgarian Academy of Agriculture were also mentioned, and joint research projects in various disciplines and the potential for further cooperation were discussed.
TÜBİTAK MAM President Prof. Dr. Burcu Özsoy also attended the meeting and discussed scientific projects carried out in Antarctica, logistical support and environmental sustainability.
Prof. Dr. Christo Pimpirev, Director of the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute, shared his views on the scientific projects carried out in Antarctica, while Prof. Dr. Burcu Özsoy, President of TÜBİTAK MAM, gave information about Turkey's role in polar research.
The Exhibition Attracted Great Interest
Within the scope of the photo exhibition, scientific activities and joint projects of Turkey and Bulgaria on the continent were introduced to the visitors. The event continued with the participants touring the exhibition, having one-to-one meetings with scientists and getting detailed information about the projects.
During the evening, ideas were exchanged to further develop the scientific presence of Turkey and Bulgaria in the Arctic and to increase academic cooperation.
