“I am deeply honored to take part in this seminar, which marks the 100th anniversary of the Franco-Albanian archaeological mission in Apollonia, Albania. French archaeology in Albania, or what we might even call Franco-Albanian archaeology, has deep roots, with early observations, research, and excavations that could be considered pre-scientific and often nourished by the historical romanticism of French travelers and consuls in Albania and Epirus during the 19th century. Its true institutional foundations were laid after the Great War, thanks to the efforts of Justin Godart, a minister, deputy, senator, mayor of Lyon, and a passionate advocate for history and culture. This was followed by the remarkable work of archaeologist Léon Rey, who dedicated more than 17 years of his life to establishing and developing the first genuine scientific mission in Albania,” Kumbaro emphasized.

Minister Kumbaro noted, “This work was further advanced by French researchers, Albanians educated in France, and Francophones, reaching its peak with the contributions of the distinguished professor Pierre Cabanes, who continued the mission alongside his exceptional Albanian colleague, Professor Neritan Ceka, the former director of the Franco-Albanian archaeological mission in Apollonia, also the author of a monumental Corpus of inscriptions from Southern Illyria and Epirus, as well as numerous scholarly works and articles. I would also like to acknowledge the valuable work of other individuals involved in this collaboration between Albania and France in the field of archaeology.”

“Some of them are here with us this morning, Etleva Nallbani and Saimir Shpuza, whom I would like to congratulate and thank for their dedication. Apollonia, thanks to the invaluable contribution of the French predecessors present in the audience, today is home to one of the treasures of ancient Mediterranean culture, which is visited every year by thousands of French people, descendants of the first pioneers, further strengthening the bond between our peoples,” said Kumbaro.

In her speech, Minister Kumbaro highlighted Albania’s role as a cultural bridge between the East and West, a legacy reflected in its many UNESCO-listed sites, including the city of Gjirokastra. She also pointed out that the French became acquainted with this city through the writer Ismail Kadare, for whom France was considered his second home.
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