Bilateral Relations

Summary:

Diplomatic relations between Albania and Bulgaria were established in April 1913 and on October 10, 1922, Konstadin Boshniak presented his Letters of Credence as Head of the Albanian Legation in Sofia. In March 1954, Albania and Bulgaria established their diplomatic representation relations at the level of embassies. From the early 1960s onwards, the embassies of our two countries were headed by Chargés d’Affaires and on January 25, 1988, an agreement was signed for the exchange of ambassadors.

Albania-Bulgaria bilateral relations are considered very good, with extensive cooperation in almost all areas. Based on historical, cultural, and economic trade ties, as well as on the framework of Euro-Atlantic integration, they offer very good opportunities for further intensification in the future, in line with European values ​​and with an impact on the continuous improvement of relations in the region.

Bulgaria has provided its support to Albania for NATO membership and continues to provide in the EU integration. There has been a continuous exchange of high-level political visits between the two countries (President, Speaker of Parliament, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister).

The year 2024 marked the celebration of the 111th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Albania and Bulgaria. The excellent relations between the two countries are characterized by a special friendship and closeness, made even more solid by historical and cultural relations and by their joint membership in NATO, regarding cooperation in the field of integration. Sofia has repeatedly stated that Bulgaria will continue to support Albania in the integration process, based on the merits of each country.

The main objective of the Embassy’s work is the Intensification of political, economic, and cultural relations between Albania and Bulgaria, especially cooperation in the fields of infrastructure, energy, culture, and European integration.

Main activities of the years 2023 – 2024:

On October 30, 2023, the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences held a ceremony to sign the Agreement on Scientific Cooperation between the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and the Academy of Sciences of Albania. The President of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Academician Julian Revalski, and the President of the Academy of Sciences of Albania, Academician Skënder Gjinushi, signed the agreement on scientific cooperation between the two academies, which provides for the participation of researchers in joint projects and conferences, as well as the exchange of scientists. The delegation of the Academy of Sciences of Albania paid a four-day visit to Sofia. The scientists’ program included a meeting with the Prime Minister, Academician Nikolai Denkov.

On December 13-15, 2023, the President of the Republic of Albania, Bajram Begaj, paid an official visit to Bulgaria at the invitation of his Bulgarian counterpart, President Rumen Radev. The focus of the visit was bilateral relations, the European perspective of Albania and the Western Balkan countries, cooperation within NATO, the security situation in the region and the war in Ukraine.

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Mr. Igli Hasani, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference in April 2024, met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Bulgaria Maria Gabriel, whom he thanked for Bulgaria’s support in Albania’s journey to the EU.

Deputy Minister Artemis Malo participated on 8 April in the third edition of the “EU meets the Western Balkans” Conference, organized by the European Liberal Forum, the ALDE Alliance, and the Atlantic Club in Bulgaria.

Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Besart Kadia, participated in the 2nd edition of the Black Sea Security Conference within the framework of the Crimean Platform, on 15 April in Sofia, organized by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense of Bulgaria and Ukraine.

The Mayor of Tirana, Mr. Erjon Veliaj, together with his team, paid a visit on 9-10 May to Sofia, the purpose of which was related to the promotion of the activities that will take place in Tirana, which this year holds the Presidency of the B40 Network, as well as to the strengthening of cooperation between the member cities of the network. During the meeting with the mayors of Bulgarian cities such as Belitsa, Burgas, Dimitrovgrad, Kardzhali, Karlovo, Karnobat, Plovdiv, Rakovski, Sliven, Sofia, Stara Zagora, Svilengrad, Troyan, Veliko Tarnovo, etc., Mr. Veliaj focused on the importance of cooperation and solidarity of local governments in the Balkan region and appreciated their participation and active role, which was also evidenced during the Tirana Summit of the B40, in January 2024.

On November 14, 2024, the Albanian Embassy in Sofia organized the National Celebration on the occasion of the 112th anniversary of Independence, which coincided with the 80th anniversary of Liberation and the 111th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with Albania and Bulgaria. High-ranking officials of the Bulgarian state and government attended, including the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, Elena Shekerletova, ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps in Bulgaria, fellow citizens from the Albanian-Bulgarian community and the Albanian diaspora, as well as other distinguished guests, friends of Albania.

In terms of economic and trade relations, Bulgaria represents an important market for Albania both in terms of investment outflow. The year 202 coincided with the 111th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the 31st anniversary of the signing of the friendship treaty between Albania and Bulgaria, which focused on the character of traditionally friendly relations between two allied countries and reliable partners. During 2023, the aim was to promote the history of bilateral diplomatic relations in the historical plan and their intensification in the regional and wider plan. On May 16, 2023, diplomatic consultations were held in Tirana, which was a very good opportunity to discuss bilateral and multilateral cooperation, regional cooperation, and the European integration process of Albania.

Cooperation in the field of defense and security has materialized with the arrival of the fourth contingent of Albanian Armed Forces troops in Novo Selo. The fifth contingent of the FARSH troops is expected to arrive in December 2024. The Bulgarian side has appreciated Albania’s decision to participate in the battle group. This became clear during the official visit of the President of the Republic Begaj on December 13-15, 2023, where the Bulgarian counterpart, President Rumen Radev, welcomed Albania’s decision and affirmed that our countries are not only allies but also traditional friends, cooperating in various fields.