site.btaBulgarian PM Praises Albania’s Reforms, Role in NATO, Policy on Minorities

On Wednesday, at the start of Albanian Parliament Speaker Elisa Spiropali’s two-day official visit to Bulgaria, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov congratulated Albania on its significant progress in the process of joining the European Union. He said it is the result of tremendous work done by the candidate country and shows the maturity of its society. “Bulgaria will continue to support Albania’s European perspective," Zhelyazkov told Spiropali during a meeting, as quoted by the government press service.

He further emphasized that Bulgaria regards Albania as a trusted and loyal partner. “Our two countries are reliable NATO allies. I am glad we share a common vision for a future based on peace, stability and prosperity in the region,” the Bulgarian Prime Minister stated. He also highlighted the importance of joint efforts among NATO members for regional security and stressed the significance of the decisions adopted at the recent NATO Summit in The Hague, including the commitment to allocate 5% of GDP to defence.

The Prime Minister noted that lasting security is not achieved solely through armament, but also through increased connectivity. He said: “Weak transport links between Balkan states remain a serious challenge for the region. That is why we must jointly use every mechanism available through defence funding to support projects that promote connectivity and cohesion within NATO.”

Zhelyazkov and Spiropali discussed opportunities for further strengthening bilateral relations between Bulgaria and Albania across several sectors, including the economy, joint investments, and the defence industry. Key focus was placed on energy and transport connectivity, particularly the accelerated construction of Corridor 8. “Such a step would boost trade and tourism and foster closer ties between our two countries,” Zhelyazkov underlined. Interest was also expressed in collaboration on artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and innovation.

Zhelyazkov praised Albania’s efforts to protect the rights of national minorities. “The Bulgarian national minority in Albania is an important bridge of friendship and a factor in strengthening mutual trust between our countries. We appreciate all the efforts Albania has made so far to protect minority rights, including the adoption of the Law on Protection of National Minorities in 2017,” the Prime Minister added.