site.btaPresident Radev Presents Madara Horseman Order to Albanian Ambassador Hoxha

Head of State Rumen Radev awarded Albania's Ambassador to Bulgaria Donika Hoxha with the Order of the Madara Horseman, First Class, at a solemn ceremony in the Coat of Arms Hall at 2 Dondukov Street. The state decoration is awarded for Ambassador Hoxha's great services to the development of bilateral relations between Bulgaria and Albania.

This high appreciation is an expression of Ambassador Hoxha's consistent efforts to build a partnership between our countries based on mutual trust, understanding and friendship, Radev said, adding that she has succeeded in contributing to the upward development, deepening, broadening of bilateral relations and maintaining the positive dynamics in the political dialogue at all levels. 

According to the Bulgarian President, his Albanian counterpart Bajram Begaj is expected to visit in December. “Together with him, we will outline the framework of priorities that drives our relations forward, starting from the trade and economic ties to our interaction in the field of culture,” Radev added. 

He pointed out that during Ambassador Hoxha's term in office the trade and economic exchange between Bulgaria and Albania has doubled. He added that the focus of Ambassador Hoxha's work is also the deepening of cultural ties between the two countries, against the backdrop of the 110th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 30th anniversary of the conclusion of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Albania and Bulgaria. Relations with the large Bulgarian community in Albania are also part of our relations, Radev said. 

The Bulgarian President expressed hope that the Albanian government and all institutions will continue to ensure a favourable environment for the Bulgarian community so that it can preserve its history, culture, language and traditions. This is an important bridge to strengthen the meaningful ties between our two friendly peoples, Radev pointed out.

He noted that everything done so far is also an important step in strengthening security, especially in the last five years since Albania joined NATO. “Our ties are continuously deepening and expanding, as evidenced by the presence of the Albanian contingent at the Novo Selo training ground within the multinational battle group,” the President said, adding that Albania has made significant progress on its path towards the EU, invariably relying on Bulgaria’s support.

Albania and Bulgaria are today more than ever loyal partners, Ambassador Hoxha said. Albanians and Bulgarians now know each other better, and the Bulgarian minority in Albania is an extremely strong bridge in consolidating our traditionally friendly relations with more intensive exchanges and new agreements, she added. 

Ambassador Hoxha said that the two nations share common values as NATO allies and, potentially, as EU member states. 

Bulgaria has proven to be a reliable friend in the toughest of times, but we should not let past successes cast a shadow over future efforts, she said.  Albania must take the next step towards EU integration, Ambassador Hoxha said, adding that she is confident Bulgaria would continue its support to Albania.