Present at the inauguration ceremony were Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece, Giorgos Gerapetritis, as well as other invited guests from the field.

In his address on this occasion, Minister Hasani described the moment as a meaningful step in strengthening Greece’s consular presence in Albania and enhancing cooperation between the two countries.

In his greeting remarks, Hasani described the city as a symbol of the Albanian people’s civility, history, and culture.

“It is a great honor today to inaugurate, together, the renovated building of the Consulate General of Greece in this city with deep European roots. This event represents an important step in reinforcing Greece’s consular presence in Albania and reflects our mutual commitment to building a closer, more constructive relationship founded on mutual respect, open dialogue, European values, and a long-standing brotherhood,” he said.

Hasani highlighted that this event occurs at a pivotal moment for the strategic partnership between the two neighboring NATO allies, as the region requires stability, cooperation, and a strong European focus more than ever.

“My visit to Athens,” the minister continued, “a few weeks ago was an important step in this direction and confirmed the will to open a new chapter of sincere and sus

mi bërë për reformat dhe standardet europiane”.

Hasani emphasized that, “Greece has been and continues to be an important partner for Albania not only because of the history and ties that unite us but also because of the real opportunity we have to build together a secure and prosperous future for all our citizens. This new spirit will come to fruition through regular political dialogue, concrete projects, and respect for our communities—both the Greek community in Albania and the Albanian community in Greece, which are living bridges of our relations. Greece’s support for Albania’s European integration has been and remains essential. We expect a fair and objective assessment of the progress we have made regarding reforms and European standards.”

He stressed that Greece’s support is omnipresent and is visibly reaffirmed today in Korça through the presence of the Greek Foreign Minister.

“The renovation of this consulate is not just a new diplomatic office, but a key point for dialogue and economic-cultural exchanges between the citizens of the two countries,” Hasani said.

He wished success to the Consul General, expressing his belief that his dedication will transform the Consulate into a living bridge of friendship and cooperation.

“Today, we have the opportunity to build a new partnership based on our shared potential for the future. From Korça, let us send the positive message that good friendship, respect, and a European vision are the foundations for a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable future for our peoples,” said Foreign Minister Igli Hasani in closing his speech.

The Greek Foreign Minister, Giorgos Gerapetritis, said that this building, where consul Jorgos Seferis — a diplomat and Nobel Prize winner for Literature — served from 1936 to 1937, was owned by a Greek family and was purchased in 1998 by the Greek state.

He stated that the building’s restoration was supported by donations from Greek citizens in Korça and Greece, along with contributions from various companies in both countries. The project’s completion was made possible through funding provided by the Greek government. He also noted that Korça has long been a leading city in education and knowledge in both the Greek and Albanian languages.

The Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that embassies and consulates reflect Greece’s image globally, and the new Greek Consulate building in Korça underscores the Ministry’s dedication to upgrading the infrastructure of diplomatic missions and enhancing consular services.

Minister Gerapetritis stated, “This effort aims to reinforce the connection between the Greek diaspora and the homeland. In today’s world, we face many global challenges, including those related to freedom and security. We are committed to fostering strong neighborly relations, and as neighboring countries, Albania and Greece prioritize maintaining stability in our region—not only through bilateral cooperation but also through broader regional partnerships.”

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