TIRANA, October 12 /ATA/ – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja received today the “Golden Lion for Merit” award at the Italian Senate.
This award was granted by the Golden Lion of Venice Committee and presented to him today.
“I am deeply honored to receive the ‘Golden Lion for Merit’ award today at the Senate of the Italian Republic, presented by the Golden Lion of Venice Committee in recognition of a lifetime of contribution. This honor encapsulates a journey of dedication—spanning from the Student Movement of December 1990 to a career in public service. I share this recognition with deep gratitude with my family, colleagues, and team, as well as with the artists, culture and tourism professionals, athletes, and champions who represent Albania with dignity across the globe,” stated Minister Gonxhja.
He further highlighted the centuries-old ties between Albania and Italy, which endure through the Arbëresh community and the compatriots who have built their lives in the neighboring country. The minister emphasized the importance of new collaborations between institutions and artists, as well as support for young talent, as concrete steps to further strengthen the ties between the two countries.
The minister stated that this award recognizes the dedication of artists and professionals in culture and tourism. He added that the honor serves as a mandate to further advance key projects across the ministry’s sectors.
Attending the event, there were distinguished figures from diplomacy, public institutions, medicine, academia, the judiciary, the arts, and culture, as well as representatives from other professional fields.
Among the attendees was Albania’s Ambassador to Italy Anila Bitri Lani. /p.s./
