The head of state invited mayors of the municipalities and communes inhabited by Arbëresh, cultural personalities, entrepreneurs and leaders of associations that have played an important role in the history of the Arbërsh community in Italy.

It is the first time that a President takes the initiative to gather representatives of Arbëresh community in the ceremony of honoring the League of March 2, 1444, as a message for the need to unify Albanians in the face of today’s challenges.

“Welcome to your home! This is the institution of the President of the Republic and you are at home. It is a pleasure to welcome you today in Albania. We are a small country but a big –hearted one. We share the same generosity, hospitality, values with friendly Italy, which became your new home 6 centuries ago, while for Albanians after the 90s, Italy became their second home”, said Begaj during the reception in the President’s office.

“580 years ago, the National Hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu and all the representatives from the various Albanian provinces united and pledged allegiance to their country joining forces to deal with the various challenges of the time. Today is a marked day to honor that moment due to the fact that our new challenges are faced together not only for us as compatriots and patriots but also with our partners”, said Begaj.

“We are living through difficult times. We just emerged from a pandemic period.”
War is raging on in Ukraine, volatile situation in the Middle East and this requires us to be together to solve things.

I think that today is a special day to thank our neighboring friend Italy, as it gave you, your ancestors, the opportunity to keep Albanian values, culture, identity, and language alive. Friendly Italy has been close to Albania during its difficult periods. And currently it is Albania’s best advocate for its EU membership journey.
The very good political relations have been translated into very good economic relations” – President of the Republic said.

“Thank you very much for joining today’s celebrations.

As a sign of this visit, I have prepared a gift: a coin representing Albania. On one side is Skanderbeg’s Eagle, on the other side there is a house in the mountains in the North of Albania. With this, making reference to an old proverb of ours: “Albanian’s home is of God and friend I invite you once again to enjoy this visit and feel at home” – President of the Republic concluded his message.
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