The relations between Albania and Bulgaria and their people are traditionally friendly, and they have grown thanks to the mutual willingness not only at the bilateral level, but also at the multilateral level over the recent years, has said President Ilir Meta. 
President Meta made that comment at a ceremony held at the presidential headquarters in Tirana on Thursday during which the Title “For Special Civil Merits” was handed over to the outgoing Ambassador of Bulgaria, Momtchil Raytchevski whose ambassadorial mandate, which started on August 31, 2018, has reached to its end. 
The awarding ceremony was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited to Tirana, local officials and special guests. 
Meta emphasized the very good relations of cooperation between Albania and Bulgaria in the framework of NATO, the United Nation, the OSCE and other international multilateral organizations, especially in the framework of the UN during Albania’s mandate as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. 
Albania took its seat at this body of the UN on January 1 this year, which will terminate at the end of 2023.  This is the first time that this Balkan country has been elected as a non-permanent member of the Security Council of the UN, which she joined on 14 December 1955.   
“This appreciation ceremony dedicated to the activity of Ambassador Momtchil Raytchevski in Albania serves also as an occasion to express the gratitude about the important support that the Republic of Bulgaria continues to provide to Albania in the process of our integration into the European Union,” said the Head of State, who stressed that not only common  willingness for the development of the excellent relations between the two countries but also the perspective of the economic cooperation and the development of regional projects in the fields of infrastructure, energy and tourism business were confirmed during the meetings with President, Rumen Radev, Speaker and Prime Minister on the occasion of the state visit that Meta paid to Sofia in April this year.  
He highlighted the beginning of the direct Tirana- Sofia flight which, as he said, marks a very good omen for the expansion of the bilateral relations in other areas as well. According to Meta, these important aspects of the relations between Albania and Bulgaria and their people deserved to be highlighted during Thursday’s award ceremony. 
“The contribution of Ambassador Momtchil Raytchevski during his diplomatic mission in Albania, since August 18, 2018, has influenced this visible development of relations between our countries thanks also to his career and diplomatic experience stretching more than two decades,” said President Meta, who added that the Ambassador arrived in Tirana knowing the regional fairly well and being a good connoisseur of it. “Throughout his stay in Albania, Ambassador Raytchevski has demonstrated special attention and care in recognizing the Albanian reality and adapting and reflecting its dynamics, in respect of his position as an experienced diplomat and in respect of the tradition and laws of our country.”     
In conclusion President Ilir Meta said: “In appreciation of his diplomatic activity and special contribution to strengthen bilateral relations, I award upon the Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to the Republic of Albania, His Excellency, Momtchil Raytchevski, the Title “For Special Civil Merits”.”    
 

Ambassador Raytchevski: We are stronger together 
 

“Four years ago I came here right after the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of EU and I knew about your country more by books rather than through experience. So little did I know then that our two friendly nations will face so many unforeseeable challenges: devastating earthquake in 2019, COVID pandemic, unprovoked war in Ukraine and we faced those together, we shared our grieves and burdens, we helped each other. For me if there is a lesson learned – indeed we are stronger together,” said the Bulgarian Ambassador, Raytchevski in his remarks.  
Further, he said his country had always been and is committed to the EU future of the Western Balkans countries, and the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of EU focused on the importance of the enlargement but also stressed on the value of having good neighborly relations, trust and respect in the region. 
According to him, looking back at what Bulgaria and Albania achieved he was much more optimistic about the future and the realization of the bilateral programs and regional initiatives. 
“Albania has changed much in the past years. There were moments of intense political events when the Albanian people, political parties and institutions showed maturity and wisdom as well as dedication to further deepen the reforms.  Although I would be leaving the country in a few months, I do it with lighter spirit because very soon Albania is making the next important step in joining our EU family and Bulgaria together with our European partners will continue to support and help you along the way,” concluded Ambassador Raytchevski. / ADN