site.btaMalta Hosts Socialist International Meeting, Deputy PM and BSP Leader Zafirov Attends

Malta is hosting a Socialist International council meeting this weekend. Taking part in the forum is a Bulgarian delegation headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) Chair Atanas Zafirov, the BSP’s press centre announced on Saturday. MEP and BSP International Affairs Secretary Tsvetelina Penkova and BSP Executive Bureau Secretary Filip Popov are among the members of the Bulgarian delegation.

The forum brings together representatives of more than 80 left-wing parties from around the world, from Europe and the United States to India, Nepal, Pakistan, Israel, Kazakhstan and beyond. Participants discussed shared challenges and political solutions in a spirit of global solidarity. 

Key speakers include Spain’s Prime Minister and President of the Socialist International Pedro Sanchez, Malta’s Prime Minister and Labour Party leader Robert Abela, as well as the Socialist International’s General-Coordinator Chantal Kambiwa.

Among the main themes of the forum are social justice, peace, and the strengthening of international cooperation amid deepening global crises. Delegates stressed the need for a stronger role for left-wing forces in tackling social inequality, poverty, and the consequences of armed conflicts. The importance of peace as a universal value to be upheld through joint efforts was also underscored.

Participants further discussed ways to enhance cooperation between member parties of the Socialist International in order to build a global progressive alternative defending democracy and human rights.

BSP leader Zafirov emphasized that the BSP – United Left coalition has always stood for the principles of social justice and peace, and will continue to advance these policies both nationally and internationally.

On the sidelines of the forum, Zafirov held a bilateral meeting with Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti, during which they discussed regional challenges and opportunities for closer cooperation. The Deputy Prime Minister and party leader is also holding a series of meetings with prime ministers, ministers, and left-wing leaders from various countries, the announcement said.