The Western Balkans’ European integration is important not only for the region, but also for the whole of Europe and Bulgaria will continue to provide the necessary support to its neighbors for achieving it. This is what Head of State Rumen Radev said at a meeting with the President of the Republic of Albania Ilir Meta in Jerusalem. The two Presidents are participating in the marking the 75^th anniversary of the Auschwitz liberation and the Holocaust Remembrance Day. The commemorative event is attended by more than 40 Heads of State and Heads of Government from around the world.

President Radev thanked his Albanian counterpart for the constitutional amendments Albania introduced, whereby the country officially recognized the Bulgarian minority. The Bulgarian Head of State’s forthcoming visit to the Republic of Albania was also discussed.

Both Rumen Radev and Ilir Meta highlighted the significance of regional transport, energy and digital connectivity as a necessary factor for economic growth in Southeastern Europe. Bulgaria and Albania attach great importance to the construction of Transport Corridor 8, which will facilitate the economic and tourist exchange.

At the meeting topics related to the regional partnership in Southeastern Europe were also discussed, the cooperation in the security and defense area and others.

Head of State Rumen Radev voiced the Bulgarian people’s compassion for the people affected by the severe earthquake in Albania at the end of 2019.