site.btaParliament Leader Rosen Zhelyazkov Meets with Bulgarian Community in Tirana

Meeting with the Bulgarian community in Tirana, National Assembly Chair Rosen Zhelyazkov said Bulgaria and Albania are an example of ethnic and religious tolerance, which is a guarantee of the prosperity of the two nations and countries. The meeting was held on the occasion of Bulgaria's National Day, March 3, the National Assembly said on Monday evening.

Zhelyazkov led a parliamentary delegation to Albania on a two-day official visit, which ended on Monday.

The meeting was attended by Albania's Interior Minister Taulant Balla, former President Ilir Meta (2017-2022), representatives of the executive, diplomats and public figures.

"Over the past decades, Bulgaria and Albania have had a similar historical fate and the aspiration for freedom, democracy and prosperity has always been a guiding principle on our political, historical and democratic path," Zhelyazkov said in his address. "We understand the efforts of the Albanian people for European integration. During this visit, we underlined Bulgaria's support for the path Albania is following. We believe that Albania will soon become an EU member because its merits and achievements are impressive," he said.

Zhelyazkov also praised Albania for showing a political will, public energy and aspiration to espouse the principles which unite the European nations. "To us, the most important thing is the respect for the rights of the Bulgarian minority, whose recognition in 2017 and the constant work to create equal opportunities are an example to follow," the Bulgarian Parliament leader said.