The Chairperson of the National Assembly Tsetska Tsacheva has met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Albania, Ditmir Bushati.” Relations between Bulgaria and Albania are traditionally friendly, dynamic and developing in the spirit of partnership,”Tsetska Tsacheva stated. She recalled that back in 2014 the two countries had marked the 100th anniversary since the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

“With Albania we are allies in NATO and our support for its membership in the European Union is consistent.” The Speaker of the National Assembly underscored that Bulgaria was among the countries which favored in 2014 granting to Albania the status of a country aspiring for EU membership.

Tsetska Tsacheva expressed satisfaction with the intensive contacts at high level between the two parliaments. She pointed to the good contacts between the friendship groups and foreign policy committees, saying these provided opportunities for exchange of opinions and undertaking of mutual projects, as well as for formulation of common positions.

Tsetska Tsacheva informed the guest that at the meeting in Sofia, on 14 May 2016, the members of the Standing Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the SEECP had adopted the agenda of its forthcoming plenary session, a draft declaration and a draft work program of the Organization for 2016-2017. She stressed that Bulgaria considers the parliamentary dimension of   SEECP as having considerable importance for the further stability and cooperation in the region. The Chair of the National Assembly stressed Bulgaria relies on Albania’s support for the realization of Sofia’s aspirations to become permanent headquarter of the Parliamentary Assembly of SEECP.

She continued: “Your visit is going to give new impetus to our relations and contribute to our two peoples getting closer and more knowledgeable about each other.”

The Foreign Minister of Albania, Ditmir Bushati, stated:  "Albania appreciates a lot the support of Bulgaria in the process of my country’s accession to the EU. “We have to make sure that the European perspective stays real and open for us,” he added. He continued: “The rule of law is extremely important, but the judicial reform could not be successful without stable economic foundation.”

He said further the region should be looked upon as the keeper of the door of Europe. “We are neighbors and we share common challenges”. He informed the Chairperson of the National Assembly about the Memorandum for Cooperation in the Field of European Integration between the Government of Bulgaria and the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania, signed today by him and the Foreign Minister of Bulgaria, Daniel Mitov.