“I am very happy that my friend Ilir Shaqiri is here today – a super fellow citizen, one of the most dignified outputs of Tirana. You are exactly “Made in Tirana”, you have the spirit of Tirana, of someone who falls, but does not complain to rise stronger. I’m very proud of you, of the way you show the best, what a ‘real Tirana citizen’ is, who neither pretends, nor boasts, nor is pushed, but has a big heart for everyone, and believes in merit and hard work, as the only formula to move forward in life, ” said Veliaj.

Ilir Shaqiri, the famous Albanian dancer in Italy, said that Tirana has always been close to his heart. “It is my first time to step in the Municipality and it certainly feels good to meet with the mayor, whom I have been following for years from Italy. I follow with great attention the journey of Albania day to day, year to year. I have lived with Albania in all its aspects, so when my daughter and Emanuela come to Tirana and say: ‘Tirana is wonderful, and we would like to live here one day,’ I am overwhelmed with joy because I grew up in Tirana.

The mayor handed over to the famous ballet dander the clock tower of Tirana.
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