Improving connectivity in Southeast Europe is a common goal for Bulgaria and Albania and will promote economic exchanges, investment and tourism. This was the common position of Presidents of the two countries Rumen Radev and Bajram Begaj, who held talks today in Podgorica after their participation in the Summit of the South-East European Cooperation Process. In 2023, the two countries celebrate the 110th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, and the 30th anniversary of the signing of the bilateral Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation. Rumen Radev and Bajram Begaj noted the trust as an excellent basis for the development of bilateral political dialogue.
The two Presidents highlighted the construction of the European transport corridor No. 8 to connect Adriatic and Black Sea ports as a regional cooperation priority for Bulgaria and Albania. The Bulgarian head of state stressed the importance of the transport corridor for the development of the entire region, as well as the possibility of using a significant amount of resources for its implementation European funds.
During the meeting the mutual interest in conducting joint business forums to deepen the ties between the Bulgarian and Albanian businesses and to the presentation of investment opportunities in the two countries was stressed. The successful development of a number of Bulgarian companies in Albania was also pointed out.
A general view was expressed that cooperation in the field of defence and security could be built upon, including in terms of training military medics.
Rumen Radev thanked his counterpart for the European approach in the country's legislation towards minorities, which allows the Bulgarian minority to be perfectly integrated into Albanian society and at the same time preserve its national traditions, its Bulgarian language and culture.