site.btaDefence Minister, Albanian Counterpart Discuss in Tirana NATO Agenda Issues, Bilateral Co-operation

Bulgarian Minister of Defence Atanas Zapryanov was formally welcomed by his Albanian counterpart Pirro Vengu in front of the Albanian Ministry of Defence with an official ceremony featuring military honours, the Bulgarian Defence Ministry said in a press release on Monday. 

The two-day working visit of Minister Zapryanov to Tirana takes place in the context of a significant political event in Albania – it is the first official visit of a foreign government representative since the announcement of the new Albanian Cabinet, in which Minister Pirro Vengu begins his second term as Minister of Defence. This underscores the strategic importance of Bulgarian-Albanian relations and their role in regional stability. 

During their talks, the two ministers highlighted the strategic significance of Pan-European Corridor VIII, co-operation within NATO, the security of the Alliance’s eastern and south-eastern flanks, as well as opportunities for joint initiatives in the defence industry. They also discussed the current regional situation, hybrid threats, and the need for greater resilience and collective defence. 

As part of his visit, Zapryanov delivered a lecture to cadets at the Academy of the Albanian Armed Forces. In his address, he presented the priorities of Bulgaria’s defence policy, emphasising the country’s role as an active and reliable NATO ally, the necessity of adapting to new threats – including those in cyberspace – and the ongoing efforts to modernise and strengthen Bulgaria’s defence capacity. He stressed the importance of education and professional training for future officers in the context of the evolving security environment.

Later in the day, Zapryanov is scheduled to take part in the ceremonial opening of the new school year at the Hristo Botev Sunday School in Tirana, which for the first time will operate under the auspices of the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Albania. The event will be held at the Embassy building with the participation of representatives of the Bulgarian community, pupils, teachers, and parents.

The opening coincides symbolically with 15 September – the first day of the school year in Bulgaria. The Sunday school will serve not only as an educational institution but also as an important centre for preserving the language, history, and national identity of the Bulgarian community in Albania.