Albania’s President Ilir Meta, who is on a two-day official visit to Bulgaria at the invitation of his Bulgarian counterpart Rumen Radev, was received by his host in Sofia on Tuesday.
Meta was welcomed by his counterpart Radev with an official ceremony in front of the church-monument “St. Alexander Nevsky” in Sofia. President Meta laid a wreath at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier. Afterwards, the two presidents spoke in private, and plenary talks took place between the Bulgarian and Albanian delegations.
The talks focused on regional partnership in Southeast Europe, as well as the European integration of the Western Balkans.
In a joint press conference President Radev said Bulgaria declares unconditionally “Yes“ to Albania for the start of the EU accession negotiations.
“Bulgaria and Albania are not just allies, we are partners, friends. The significant Bulgarian minority in the Republic of Albania also makes a significant contribution to this,” said President Radev quoted by novinite.com. “Our countries share a common vision for the future of our region on the principle of good neighborliness, following the principles of the European Union and NATO.”
The head of state reported as positive the fact that there is already a direct flight connection between Sofia and Tirana.
“An important part of our dialogue was the strengthening of security in the region, and I welcome Albania’s readiness to join the multinational battle group. We expect the platoon to arrive in Bulgaria soon and be fully integrated into this battle group,” said Rumen Radev.
“Bulgaria supports the start of EU negotiations with the Republic of Albania, unconditionally.” He noted the deep reforms undertaken by the Albanian side, with perseverance and a clear focus in all important areas. “Bulgaria has always been a major driver of the enlargement process to the Western Balkans,” the head of state said.
The two condemned the fratricidal war in Ukraine, as well as called for an independent international investigation into the atrocities in Bucha.
“We also looked at the strategic project ‘Corridor No. 8’. There is a delay, but what we have started – the signed memorandum between Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Albania to consider this project in unity is a key. The crisis has shown that this project is important for security,” said Radev.
“I am here to return the gesture for your visit after the severe earthquake. Your support was important to us. Sofia is an important city for all Albanians. It was home to many of our national revivalists. From Sofia, they inspired and prepared Albania’s independence”, said Albanian President Ilir Meta.
“There are now hundreds of students from Albania who have studied and are studying in Bulgaria. It is important that we strengthen our partnership and security. We are closer to Bulgaria than ever before and we welcome all the efforts that your country is making as an important member of NATO,” said Meta.
Further he declared, “We fully support Ukraine’s sovereignty, condemn the barbaric crimes known to all that must be investigated internationally, and resolve all issues. We also want to show our commitment to our European and Euro-Atlantic orientation. The stability of the Western Balkans is important for us, but also for Bulgaria, which as a country is committed to the progress of our region in this direction.”
“Thank you for your support in starting EU membership negotiations for both Albania and North Macedonia, this is a useful strategic approach,” the Albanian president said.
“All minorities in Albania are protected, as is the Bulgarian one and every effort is being made to make them proud of their identity and to always be well integrated and supported by all institutions,” Meta said.
“You have shown that you know to always navigate with courage and great wisdom. I wish you once more upon your re-election,” concluded Albanian President.
President Meta also met with Prime Minister Kiril Petkov and it is reported that the two officials discussed bilateral relations, regional cooperation and the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries.
Petkov reaffirmed Bulgaria’s support of Albania’s readiness to begin EU accession talks. Bulgaria is consistent in its position that the Western Balkan countries have a place in the EU. In this connection, Petkov highlighted the Government’s efforts to step up dialogue with North Macedonia and overcome differences.
He noted that there is a huge potential for developing economic cooperation based on the good political dialogue between Sofia and Tirana.
Petkov and Meta discussed infrastructure projects of priority importance for the region’s connectivity. The two stressed the strategic importance of Pan-European Corridor VIII, connecting the Adriatic and the Black Sea.
Petkov noted that Bulgaria appreciates the opportunity provided to the Bulgarian minority in Albania to study its mother tongue. /Argumentum.al
