Bulgaria consistently supports Albania's efforts to join the EU, said the Speaker of the National Assembly Natalia Kiselova at a meeting with the Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Elisa Spiropali.
A Bulgarian parliamentary delegation, led by Kiselova, is visiting Albania to participate in the 12th plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the South East European Cooperation Process (SEECP PA).
The relations between our two countries are excellent, they are built on a solid historical foundation, traditional friendship and cooperation, the Speaker of the National Assembly pointed out. For Bulgaria, Albania is an important partner with whom we share a common vision for a future of peace and prosperity in Europe and in our region, built on shared European and Euro-Atlantic values, said Kiselova.
The Speaker of the Parliament noted that Bulgaria consistently supports Albania's accession to the EU and has always taken an active position in favor of key decisions on the country's European path. Natalia Kiselova congratulated Albania on the significant progress achieved in the accession process and emphasized that this is a positive example for other countries in the region and proof that the EU remains committed to the merit-based enlargement policy. According to her, Bulgaria is ready to provide expert assistance in the process of Albania's accession to the EU.
Active parliamentary cooperation should play a key role in the mutual aspiration to further deepen relations between Bulgaria and Albania in all areas of mutual interest, emphasized the Speaker of the National Assembly. She expressed her readiness to assist in activating contacts between the two legislative institutions and pointed out that a friendship group with Albania has already been established in the parliament.
Bulgaria is preparing to take over the presidency of the Parliamentary Assembly of the South-East European Cooperation Process from Albania, noted Natalia Kiselova. I am confident that it provides excellent opportunities for consolidating the country's key role as a driving force for regional cooperation, focused on promoting economic development, strengthening security and supporting the prosperity of the entire region, she emphasized.
The Speaker of the National Assembly of Albania, Elisa Spiropali, emphasized Bulgaria's great contribution to putting the topic of integration of the Western Balkans on the European Union agenda.