The Bulgarian national minority is perfectly integrated into Albanian society and is an active factor in friendly relations with Albania, the President says at a meeting with the Speaker of Albanian Parliament

 

Albania is a positive example in the process of European integration for the Western Balkans region, because the country's progress has been achieved through its own efforts and implemented reforms, and it can count on Bulgaria's support on its path to full EU membership. This was stated by Head of State Rumen Radev at a meeting at the presidential institution with the Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Elisa Spiropali. Vice President Iliana Iotova also participated in the meeting.

 

The Head of State and the Speaker of the Albanian Parliament united around the position that relations between Bulgaria and Albania are developing on the basis of traditional friendship and partnership. They highlighted the importance of active and fruitful dialogue at the highest level for strengthening trust and subsequent deepening of bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest - economy and investments, improving transport connectivity, deepening ties in the areas of tourism, healthcare, education, culture and technology.

 

Rumen Radev stressed the importance of the bilateral partnership between Bulgaria and Albania within NATO for the security of the region, and Elisa Spiropali noted, for her part, that Albania would continue to establish itself as a factor contributing to strengthening security and stability in the Balkans.

 

There was also a common position that the accelerated construction of Corridor 8 is of key strategic importance for not only stimulating economic development, the investment climate and the infrastructure connectivity of the countries along its length, but also for the overall security and stability of the entire region.

 

The Bulgarian national minority is perfectly integrated into Albanian society and is an active factor in the development of the friendly relations we share with Albania, the President stressed during the meeting. The Head of State congratulated the Albanian side for the population census conducted in accordance with European standards, as well as for the tolerant attitude towards national minorities, who can freely express their belonging, preserve and develop their language, traditions and culture.