South Africa Closes Its Embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria, Yet Maintains Friendly Relations
Johannesburg – Facing pressure, South Africa will be shutting down its Embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria in the next two months, according to an announcement from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
“This decision, motivated by careful financial considerations and the need to prioritize national resource distribution, is part of a larger strategic realignment of South Africa’s diplomatic missions around the globe,” DIRCO mentioned in a statement provided to The Bulrushes on Saturday, (3 May 2025).
The department highlighted that since 2021, South Africa has made vital adjustments to its international footprint to ensure financial sustainability while maintaining its commitment to effective diplomatic engagement and bilateral partnerships.
The South African Embassy in Sofia will officially close on 30 June 2025.
DIRCO emphasized that this decision does not diminish the significance that South Africa places on its long-standing and amicable relations with Bulgaria.
“Rather, it is a decision guided by the need for responsible fiscal management,” the statement clarified.
“Before this decision, comprehensive discussions were held between the governments of South Africa and Bulgaria.
“Minister Ronald Lamola personally reached out to his Bulgarian counterpart, Mr. Ivan Kondov, to reaffirm South Africa’s steadfast commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
“To ensure ongoing collaboration, South Africa will sustain diplomatic and consular relations with Bulgaria through its resident Mission in Athens, Greece, which will assume responsibility for bilateral interactions.”
DIRCO expressed that South Africa holds the Bulgarian Embassy in Pretoria in high regard and anticipates continued collaboration through this channel.
“The South African Government remains optimistic that this closure will be temporary,” the department noted.
Minister Lamola remarked: “We sincerely aim to restore a dedicated diplomatic presence in Sofia as soon as financial conditions permit, reflecting our mutual aspirations for a strengthened partnership.”