Tirana, June 10 (Albania Journal) – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha arrived in Sofia on Wednesday to attend a meeting of foreign ministers from the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP), as Bulgaria wraps up its 2025 – 2026 chairmanship of the regional forum.
Ahead of the gathering, Hoxha held bilateral talks with his Bulgarian counterpart, Velislava Petrova, with both ministers reaffirming the close partnership between Albania and Bulgaria.
In a post on X after the meeting, Hoxha said the discussions focused on strengthening political dialogue and expanding cooperation in strategic sectors, including energy, infrastructure and regional connectivity.
“Our discussions highlighted the importance of further deepening political dialogue and broadening cooperation in strategic sectors such as energy, infrastructure and connectivity,” he wrote.
The two ministers also underlined the importance of Corridor VIII, the major transport route linking the Adriatic and Black Sea regions. Hoxha described the project as a key driver of trade, mobility and sustainable economic growth across South-Eastern Europe.
“We emphasized the importance of Corridor VIII as a vital link between the Adriatic and Black Sea regions, with considerable potential to boost trade, mobility and sustainable economic development across South-Eastern Europe,” he said.
Hoxha also thanked Bulgaria for its continued support for Albania’s bid to join the European Union and for Sofia’s longstanding backing of a credible EU enlargement policy.
The ministers further highlighted the positive role played by the Albanian and Bulgarian national minorities in strengthening ties between the two countries, describing them as bridges of friendship and cooperation.
