site.btaPresident Radev Commends Albania for Setting Positive Example of European Integration in Western Balkans

During a meeting in Sofia on Thursday with the Speaker of the Albanian Parliament, Elisa Spiropali, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev said that Albania is a positive example of European integration in the Western Balkans, as its progress has been achieved through its own efforts and implemented reforms. “Albania can count on Bulgaria’s support on its path to full EU membership,” Radev added, as quoted by his press secretariat.

Vice President Iliana Iotova also attended the meeting.

Radev and Spiropali agreed that relations between Bulgaria and Albania are based on traditional friendship and partnership. They highlighted the importance of active and productive dialogue at the highest level to strengthen trust and further deepen bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest—the economy and investments, improving transport connectivity, and strengthening ties in tourism, healthcare, education, culture, and technology.

Radev said Sofia’s partnership with Tirana within NATO is important for regional security. For her part, Spiropali noted that Albania will remain a factor for security and stability in the Balkans.

They shared the view that the accelerated construction of Corridor 8 is of key strategic importance not only for boosting economic development, improving the investment climate and enhancing infrastructure connectivity for the countries along its route, but also for the overall security and stability of the entire region.

President Radev also emphasized that the Bulgarian national minority is well integrated into Albanian society and plays an active role in the development of the friendly relations between the two countries. He praised Albania for conducting its recent census in line with European standards and for its tolerant approach toward national minorities, who are free to express their identity and to preserve and develop their language, traditions and culture.