South Africa will close Bulgaria’s embassy, but will continue to maintain close ties with the Balkans.
“The Bureau of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has announced its decision to close the South African embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria, which came into effect on June 30, 2025,” the department said in a statement.
The department said the decision will be informed by wise financial considerations and the need to prioritize national resource allocation. He said the decision will form part of a broader strategic restructuring of South Africa’s diplomatic mission globally.
“Since 2021, South Africa has made the necessary adjustments to its international footprint to ensure fiscal sustainability while maintaining its effective diplomatic engagement and commitment to bilateral partnerships.
“Dirco emphasizes that this step does not reflect the value South Africa has on its long-standing, heartfelt relationship with Bulgaria, rather it is a measure enforced by the order of responsible fiscal management,” the department said.
Additionally, Dilco Minister Ronald Lamora said the government is optimistic that the closure will be temporary.
“We express our serious intention to restore our committed diplomatic presence in Sofia as soon as the fiscal conditions allow, reflecting our common aspirations for a deep partnership,” he said.
Prior to this decision, extensive consultations were held between the South African government and Bulgaria, and Minister Lamora reaffirmed his solid commitment to strengthening bilateral relations in South Africa by personally engaging his Bulgarian counterpart Ivan Kondov.
To ensure continued cooperation, South Africa maintains diplomatic and consular relations with Bulgaria through its residency mission in Athens, Greece, and is responsible for bilateral involvement.
“South Africa deeply appreciates the presence of the Bulgarian Embassy in Pretoria and looks forward to sustainable cooperation through this channel,” the department said.
