In Tirana, the Bulgarian head of state symbolically accepted the rotating Chairmanship-in-Office (CiO) of the South East European Cooperation Process from his Albanian counterpart.

Bulgaria, as a long-standing and responsible member of the EU and as the upcoming rotating chairman of the South East European Cooperation Process (SEECP), will continue to be a constructive and responsible partner in achieving a common future that is in the interest of all citizens of our region. This was stated by Head of State Rumen Radev today in Tirana, where he took part in the meeting of the heads of state and government of the regional cooperation format. Radev accepted from his Albanian counterpart, President Bajram Begaj, the rotating CiO of the SEECP, which will be held from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026, and attended a joint press conference with the presidents of Albania and the Republic of North Macedonia.

Symbolically, Bulgaria takes over the SEECP CiO, during which 30 years since the creation of the initiative in Sofia in 1996 will be celebrated next year. Bulgaria will assume the CiO for the fourth time and we will not only build on everything ­­achieved so far, but we will also strive to be constructive with a vision and with responsibilit­­y to work to solve all the challenges facing our region, the head of state stressed.

 ­Radev stated that active and results-oriented cooperation is the key for our region to develop as a place of security, stability and prosperity. Consequently, the priorities of the Bulgarian presidency will be aimed at speeding up the European integration of the countries of the region, based on their own merits, towards accelerated economic development, competitiveness, energy security, connectivity and development of human capital.

I sense a hint of disappointment in what President Siljanovska said about the certain delay in the process of her country's European integration, but this is not about unresolved bilateral relations. It is not about imposing a veto or stopping the process and an obstacle from a neighbouring country. On the contrary, it is clear to everyone that the 2022 European Consensus is about internal challenges related to human rights in the Republic of North Macedonia, President Radev emphasised at the press conference. The head of state added that as the closest and friendliest country, Bulgaria has the great desire and is reaching out to be of assistance so that the state leadership of the Republic of North Macedonia and society can deal with the challenges much more quickly and implement the Copenhagen criteria for membership. This is the meaning of our cooperation. One common goal - for all countries in the region to join and become members of the EU, the President pointed out.

Her added that the joint press conference of the presidents of Bulgaria, Albania and North Macedonia has important symbolism, as these are three of the countries along the strategic Transport Corridor No. 8. Its construction is of vital importance not only for the development of our economies and competitiveness, but also for our security. I am convinced that we will spare no effort to complete this corridor, a corridor of cooperation, of friendship and amity, in the shortest possible time, the Bulgarian head of state also said.

Within the framework of the forum, President Rumen Radev met with the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council, Amer Kapetanovic and with the Honorary Consul of Bulgaria in Albania, Selim Hoxhaj.