Earlier in the day, Hoxha held bilateral talks with Bulgaria’s Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova, with both sides reaffirming the strong partnership between the two countries.

In a post on X following the meeting, Hoxha said discussions focused on strengthening political dialogue and expanding cooperation in key sectors.

“Our discussions highlighted the importance of further deepening political dialogue and broadening cooperation in strategic sectors such as energy, infrastructure and connectivity,” he said.

The ministers also underscored the significance of Corridor VIII, a major transport and infrastructure project linking the Adriatic and Black Sea regions.

“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,” Hoxha wrote.

He added that Albania appreciated Bulgaria’s continued support for its European Union membership bid and Sofia’s longstanding advocacy for a credible EU enlargement policy.

The two ministers also highlighted the role of national minorities in their respective countries, describing them as important bridges of friendship and cooperation between Albania and Bulgaria.

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The two counterparts praised the strong bilateral ties in defence and security, stressing the need to deepen regional cooperation in the face of shared challenges in Southeast Europe.

Talks focused on strategic infrastructure and industrial projects, including Corridor VIII and the Porto Romano port, described as vital hubs for boosting NATO forces’ mobility in the region.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to joint contributions in international missions, noting Albania and Bulgaria’s joint contribution to NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence in Bulgaria and in the KFOR mission in Kosovo- evidence, they said, of their determination to strengthen European security and stability.

During his Tirana visit, Zapryanov delivered a lecture to cadets at Albania’s Armed Forces Academy, outlining Bulgaria’s defence priorities. He underscored the country’s role as an active, reliable NATO ally, the need to adapt to emerging threats – including in cyberspace – and Bulgaria’s efforts to modernise and strengthen its defence capabilities. He also stressed the importance of education and professional training for future officers, according to the Bulgarian embassy in Tirana.

Zapryanov is also scheduled to attend the ceremonial opening of the new school year at the “Hristo Botev” Bulgarian Sunday School in Tirana. Operating for the first time under the Bulgarian embassy’s auspices, the school aims to preserve the language, history and national identity of the Bulgarian community in Albania. The event, held at the embassy in the presence of community members, teachers, pupils and parents, coincides symbolically with Bulgaria’s own first day of school on September  15.

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