President of the Republic of Albania, Bajram Begaj, participated today in the Summit of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) in Sofia.

The summit, marking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of SEECP, was held under the theme: “Strengthening Regional Unity for a Sustainable and Secure Future: Reflecting on 30 Years of Partnership and Progress.”

In the presence of Presidents, Prime Ministers, and government representatives from SEECP member states, President Begaj emphasized the importance of the European integration of the Western Balkans, strengthening regional security, enhancing political and economic cooperation, improving infrastructure connectivity, and ensuring energy sustainability across Southeast Europe, according to the President’s Press Office.

President Begaj described the SEECP process as a driver of genuine progress throughout the region and a platform that continues to shape the region’s shared European future.

Alongside Bulgaria’s Vice President, Iliana Iotova, and Romania’s Foreign Minister, Oana-Silvia Țoiu, as part of the SEECP Presidency Troika, the Head of State stated during a press conference that deeper cooperation in Southeast Europe is a necessity and the most effective way to improve connectivity and create better opportunities for citizens.

“We are working hard on connectivity, particularly through strategic infrastructure projects such as Corridor VIII, Porto Romano, and the Adriatic-Ionian Corridor,” President Begaj stressed.

He stated that regional cooperation must translate into tangible results in infrastructure, trade, mobility, and opportunities for citizens, regardless of the diversity among SEECP members.

“What moves one country forward contributes to the stability and development of all,” President Begaj said.

While outlining the challenges facing the region, President Begaj reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to regional cooperation as a key requirement for stability, development, and a shared European future.

“Albania remains fully committed to this path. We are advancing our reform agenda and moving forward in the EU accession process, with the objective of completing it within this decade,” President Begaj said regarding Albania’s EU membership process, as the country has entered a decisive phase aimed at closing negotiation chapters by next year.

“European integration remains the central objective,” the President stated, while confirming that there is a shared understanding within SEECP that the enlargement process must remain credible, predictable, and results-based.

The Head of State underlined that the European perspective of the Western Balkans is essential for the stability of the entire region.

At the conclusion of the summit, leaders adopted the Sofia Declaration, while the SEECP Presidency was officially handed over to Bucharest.