The event took place at the “Migjeni” Theatre in Shkodra, where numerous citizens, students, and enthusiasts of culture and literature had the opportunity to view manuscripts from the poet’s creative process, excerpts from his work “Free Verses” and poems covering various themes.

A special section of the exhibition was dedicated to archival materials documenting the history and activities of the “Migjeni” Theatre over the years.

The exhibition featured manuscripts of poems such as “Song of Youth”, “Autumn on Parade, “A Sleepless Night” and “Two Lips; a formal request submitted by Migjeni to the Ministry of Education for a two-month leave of absence from teaching to undergo medical treatment; a government decision regarding the proposal to award Migjeni the title “Teacher of the People”; and a report on the repatriation of Migjeni’s remains to Albania. /j.p/r.e/p.s./

Chinese Ambassador to Albania Pang Chunxue used the event to highlight China’s economic and technological development and the strengthening of bilateral ties with Albania.

In her remarks at the event, she said 2026 marked the start of China’s 15th five-year plan for economic and social development, amid what she described as an increasingly complex and challenging domestic and international environment.

“During the first half of this year, China’s gross domestic product grew by 4.7%, an increase of nearly 500 billion dollars, the largest growth recorded in the past five years compared with the same period last year,” Ambassador Pang Chunxue said.

According to her, China’s economy had effectively weathered external shocks and domestic difficulties while maintaining steady growth, with new momentum driven by structural changes, innovation and technology.

Pang Chunxue also highlighted China’s performance in scientific and technological innovation, saying the country had entered the top 10 of the Global Innovation Index for the first time.

“For three consecutive years, China has ranked first in the world in the number of the world’s top 100 science and technology innovation clusters,” she said.

The Chinese diplomat described these developments as part of China’s broader economic transformation and modernization, with a growing focus on innovation, technology and new drivers of growth.

The Chinese Ambassador also praised the development of bilateral relations and growing economic cooperation with Albania. Trade between the two countries was valued at around 1.6 billion euros in 2025, up about 21% year-on-year, she said, adding that China remained Albania’s second-largest trading partner.

She said bilateral relations had gained fresh momentum this year, citing regular exchanges between the countries’ leaders and reciprocal visits by legislative officials.

Ambassador Pang Chunxue also highlighted growing demand in China for Albanian agricultural and food products, including wine and honey, as well as increased participation by Albanian businesses in the China Import and Export Fair, known as the Canton Fair.

She said the number of Chinese tourists visiting Albania was also rising.

China would continue promoting high-quality development and opening its economy to international markets while expanding trade and economic cooperation with partners, including Albania, Pang Chunxue said.

“China is not only the factory of the world, but also the market of the world,” she said, adding that the Chinese market continued to offer opportunities for products from countries around the globe.

Against this backdrop, the Chinese Ambassador said China is ready to share development opportunities with its partners, including Albania, and to continue efforts to strengthen bilateral ties.

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On this significant milestone for Greek football, President Duka conveyed his congratulations to the President of the Hellenic Football Federation Chrysostomos Gkagkatsis, as well as to the entire Greek football family.

In his message, President Duka acknowledged the history and contribution of Greek football, describing the centenary as a significant moment worthy of applause and honor.

“Congratulations to the Hellenic Football Federation on its 100th anniversary! A significant milestone for Greek football and a rich history worthy of applause and honor. My warmest wishes to President Chrysostomos Gkagkatsis and the entire Greek football family. Happy 100th anniversary!” wrote President Duka.

Attendance at this event marks another highlight in the relationship and cooperation between the football institutions of both countries, within the framework of regional and European ties between the federations. /m.q/j.p/p.s./

In a social media post, Berisha described Hajdari as one of the leading figures of the December 1990 student movement, which helped pave the way for political pluralism in Albania.

Berisha blamed the then Socialist government for Hajdari’s killing, describing it as a “state terrorist attack.” He said Hajdari’s legacy continued to inspire Albania’s democrats.

Berisha called on Democratic Party members and opposition supporters to mobilise for what he described as the “return of the free vote and victory of the Albanian opposition.”

He said Hajdari’s assassination was a significant event in Albania’s political history and highlighted his role in the December 1990 student movement.

Those responsible for Hajdari’s killing would face “the punishment of history”, Berisha said, adding that his legacy would remain associated with the struggle for freedom and democracy.

“Azem Hajdari’s life and outstanding legacy are a call to action for every Democrat, ordinary members, Democratic Party supporters and leaders at all levels of its structures, to launch an offensive to restore the free vote to Albanians and secure victory for the Albanian opposition,” Berisha wrote.

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The jubilee conference also marks the commemoration of three important moments in the history of the Bektashi World Headquarters: the 35th anniversary of its re-establishment, the 15th anniversary of the leadership by Dedebaba Mondi and the 11th anniversary of the inauguration of the Odeon cultural complex.

In his speech, Baba Mondi said that, “This is a sacred ceremony and a special day for us Bektashis, who are keeping alive the light of Haxhi Bektashi, the light of our ancestors, who have tried to lead us with love, peace and kindness”.

He expressed gratitude to all participants in this anniversary, highlighting the cooperation with the Bektashi communities and representatives from Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo, the USA and the diaspora.

Referring to the re-establishment of the Patriarchate on March 22, 1991, Baba Mondi praised the contribution of Haxhi Dede Reshat Bardhi, who led the process of re-establishing the institution after decades of prohibition of religious activity.

Dedebaba Mondi also highlighted the principles of Bektashism, respect of every person, regardless of religion, region, idea, color or race.

“On this 35th anniversary, we also have cooperation with several religious communities, with whom we jointly try to face the difficulties of this temporary world”, he said.

According to Dedebaba Mondi, in a world facing numerous challenges, the mission of religious communities is to convey messages of love, peace, rapprochement and understanding between people.

“Our work is difficult, because it is the work of people who want love, peace, rapprochement with each other, for our families to be healthy and for our new generation to grow with love, kindness, knowledge and everything good that belongs to man”, he said.

Dedebaba Mondi also praised the role of religious communities in protecting the family and Albanian youth, emphasizing the significance of cooperation in function of society.

“We convey messages of kindness, love, generosity, so to always be there for the people in need”, said Baba Mondi.

Dedebaba Mondi also thanked the ambassadors, representatives of religious communities, believers and the diaspora for participating in this anniversary, conveying a message for more love, brotherhood and respect among people.

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After completing his studies in Vienna, Hasan Ceka returned to Albania in 1930 and began working at the National Library, where he formed an initial archaeological collection still preserved today by the Institute of Archaeology Library. During this period, he also represented Albania in international archaeological missions at Apollonia and Butrint.

In 1947, Ceka led the first indigenous archaeological expedition to Apollonia and helped establish the Archaeological-Ethnographic Museum in Tirana. Returning permanently to Apollonia in 1956, he dedicated the rest of his career to researching the ancient city. Prof. Ceka is widely credited with discovering vital monuments there, including an architectural complex near the Agonothetae building and the city’s nymphaeum.

Alongside his excavations at Apollonia, Prof. Ceka dedicated himself to collecting and preserving ancient and medieval coins. As an expert in ancient numismatics, he highlighted his research with the 1965 publication Illyrian Numismatics and prepared the important work Dyrrah and Apollonia coins.”

Professor Hasan Ceka was an expert in ancient Greek and Latin. His skills helped him co-author the Albanian translation and preparation of Illyrians and Illyricum in the Ancient Authors. He wrote many scientific articles and studies that were published both in Albania and abroad. Many of these works appear in his collected volume, In Search of Illyrian History. The distinguished archaeologist and researcher passed away on November 2, 1998.

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Deputy Minister Albana Koçiu described the “Stone City” on the anniversary as a shared heritage of humanity and a source of great pride for Albania, saying that for more than two decades it has showcased its values to the world.

The inscription on July 15, 2005, followed a lengthy process of documentation and evaluation, during which Albanian institutions, heritage experts and the local community worked together to demonstrate the city’s outstanding universal value.

The Academy of Sciences said Gjirokastra’s inclusion on the UNESCO list was supported by research from historians and architects, the commitment of the Ministry of Culture and the Institute of Cultural Monuments, as well as by local residents who have carefully preserved the city’s distinctive tower houses, the old bazaar, an 18th-century mosque and churches dating from the Ottoman period.

The living heritage reflected in its cobbled streets and its 13th-century citadel stands as evidence of historic urban life and a rare example of preserved Ottoman architecture.

Gjirokastra is not only a museum city, but also a symbol of Albania’s cultural identity, a heritage treasure connecting the country with its history and strengthening its place on the world’s cultural map.

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In a statement marking the anniversary, Hoxha honoured the memory of more than 8,000 Bosnian men and boys killed in July 1995.

“Genocide is not a matter of interpretation. Denial is not interpretation but distortion. It is an attack on truth, justice and the dignity of the victims,” Hoxha said.

He noted that international courts had established the facts surrounding the Srebrenica genocide and said that, while justice could never be complete, judicial rulings had affirmed the truth.

“At a time when war, hatred and the suffering of civilians continue to scar our world, remembrance remains our strongest safeguard against denial, hatred and the repetition of such crimes,” he said.

Hoxha reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to defending truth, justice, remembrance and human dignity.

The International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the Genocide in Srebrenica is observed annually on July 11 to honour the victims of the 1995 massacre, one of Europe’s worst atrocities since World War Two.

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The exhibition marks the 145th anniversary of the publication of one of the world’s most celebrated literary masterpieces, a work that remains among the most translated and beloved books of all time.

Open to visitors throughout the week, the exhibition features early editions, publishing history and the journey of one of the most iconic characters in children’s literature.

The Adventures of Pinocchio was written by Italian journalist and author Carlo Collodi (1826-1890). The story was first published in installments in 1881 before appearing as a book in 1883.

The main character, Pinocchio, is a wooden puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy. Through a series of temptations and challenges, he learns from his mistakes and discovers how to distinguish right from wrong.

Translated into hundreds of languages and dialects, the book is considered one of the most widely translated works in the world. Published in millions of copies, it has continued to inspire generations of readers as well as films, television series, theatre productions, operas, ballets and countless illustrations.

Despite being 145 years old, Pinocchio remains a universal symbol of childhood, honesty and moral values.

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The programme opened on Tirana’s “Martyrs of the Nation” boulevard with the installation of an “I Love Çamëria” display, intended by organizers as a symbol of remembrance and reflection.

Speaking at the event, Liljan Idrizaj, head of the Patriotic Association “Çamëria,” described June 27, 1944, as one of the darkest dates in the history of the Cham Albanian community, saying it marked the beginning of expulsions, massacres and the ethnic cleansing of Albanians from the region.

The commemorative week includes cultural and memorial events aim at preserving the historical memory of the Cham community, promoting its identity and cultural heritage, and calling for justice over the events of the past.

Shpëtim Idrizi, leader of the Party for Justice, Integration and Unity (PDIU), has called for greater institutional and national support for what Albanians refer to as the Cham issue, saying it remains a historical obligation to seek justice for Cham Albanians.

The events will conclude with commemorations at the memorial cemetery in Kllogjer, near the coastal town of Saranda, where organizers say the remains of 2,900 Cham Albanians are buried.

Later on Friday, Albania’s parliament, in cooperation with the Patriotic Association “Çamëria”, is due to host a commemorative event marking what it describes as the 82nd anniversary of the genocide against Cham Albanians, attended by lawmakers, scholars, representatives of the Cham community and public figures.

Albania’s parliament in 1994 designated June 27 as the “Day of the Genocide against Cham Albanians by Greek Chauvinists” and approved the construction of a memorial.

According to the Albanian account of the events, Greek forces entered Paramithia on June 27, 1944, after assuring local Cham representatives that civilians would not be harmed if weapons were surrendered. Albanian sources say the pledge was broken and hundreds of Cham Albanians were subsequently killed.

Albanian institutions and Cham organizations say more than 30,000 Muslim Cham Albanians were expelled from their homes and more than 3,000 were killed during the campaign, while thousands more died during their flight to Albania from hunger, disease and hardship.

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