site.btaBulgaria Will Continue to Support Albania's European Integration, President Radev Says in Tirana

Bulgaria will continue to support the European integration of Albania, which proves that it can successfully implement reforms for the sake of the European future of the region, President Rumen Radev said at a meeting with his Albanian counterpart, Bajram Begaj, in Tirana on Monday, according to the President’s Press Secretariat. 

Radev described Albania as a positive example for the Western Balkans, highlighting its efforts and significant progress as proof that countries should be assessed based on their own achievements and merits in the European integration process.

The Bulgarian head of State is visiting Albania to participate in the Summit of the heads of State and Government of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) countries. After the plenary session of the forum, Radev will symbolically accept the rotating Chairmanship-in-Office of the SEECP from President Begaj. Bulgaria will preside over the SEECP from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.

During the meeting, Radev and Begaj agreed that in a world facing multiple challenges, the SEECP countries share a common responsibility to strengthen peace and stability in the region.

The sides also agreed that improving regional connectivity is key to enhancing security, as it plays an essential role in the development of supply chains, economic exchanges and tourism.

The two heads of State stressed the strategic importance of Pan-European Corridor VIII for improving regional connectivity between Bulgaria, the Republic of North Macedonia and Albania, and for connecting the three countries with Italy and supporting the sustainable economic development of the region.

Radev praised Albania’s 2023 population census, which, in his words, was conducted in line with the highest European standards. He also commended the efforts of Albanian institutions to preserve the language, traditions, and rights of the Bulgarian national minority in the country.

He also highlighted Bulgaria’s interest in further strengthening its friendly relations with Albania across all areas - economy, investment, security and defense, as well as education, science, culture, and tourism. The presidents identified the establishment of a Bulgarian cultural institute in Albania and an Albanian cultural institute in Bulgaria as a key step toward deepening the bilateral partnership.