Unlike a traditional museum, the Archive Museum is centred on documents as historical evidence, tracing aspects of Albania’s social, cultural and institutional life through written records and other archival material.

Visitors can view rare documents and other materials spanning different periods, from early records to more recent evidence of the country’s social and institutional development.

“This is an archive museum, not a museum of the archives. It is not like other museums, a museum of an institution or a particular field of activity. It is a museum of documents,” General Director of Archives Auron Rrokaj said in remarks at the opening ceremony.

The exhibits include historical documents, photographs, books, magazines, administrative records, manuscripts and other material relating to Albania’s public and social life.

The museum also incorporates digital displays, holograms, quizzes and other interactive features designed to engage visitors, particularly younger audiences.

“That is why the museum is not only based on written records, but is also digital, with holograms, quizzes and interactive features. Young people will like it very much,” Rrokaj said, urging young people to visit the museum and “rediscover their love for paper”.

The museum’s opening comes as Albania’s National Archives undergoes changes aimed at improving the preservation, management and digitisation of its collections.

Through its exhibitions and use of technology, the museum aims to present archives not simply as repositories of documents but as spaces where history can be explored through original records.

The Archive Museum is the latest museum space to open in Tirana, presenting aspects of Albania’s history through original documents, photographs, maps and other archival records rather than conventional museum objects.

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“Professional studies connect the lecture hall with the labour market and the laboratory with businesses, giving degrees greater value when they are designed well,” Kumbaro said at the inauguration.

She said Durres, with its port, industrial, tourism and logistics sectors, was well placed to benefit from programmes tailored to labour-market needs.

Kumbaro said more than 1,900 new students had enrolled at Durres University this academic year, attributing the increase to investment and improvements in teaching quality.

She also highlighted the university’s progress in internationalisation, saying its scientific journal had been indexed in Scopus, while the University of Tirana had this year become the first Albanian university to be ranked by Times Higher Education.

The University “Aleksandër Moisiu” is among institutions holding “reporter” status with Times Higher Education, she said, alongside four private universities, with the aim of being ranked in the future.

Kumbaro said Albanian universities were expanding joint and double-degree programmes with institutions in Italy, Portugal, Germany and Spain, while 26 new programmes were being added to the range of courses taught in English.

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During a visit to the facility, Rama and Health and Social Welfare Minister Klodiana Spahiu inspected the upgraded cardiac surgery department, which now has 38 beds, up from 35, across 15 rooms.

The new operating block includes five theatres – two for vascular surgery, two for cardiac surgery and a hybrid theatre – while a dedicated sterile-procedure room has been added to reduce the need for such procedures to be performed in intensive care.

The government head said the country’s largest hospital centre should face no further budget constraints in completing its infrastructure needs.

“We should address them all through the 2027 budget,” Rama said.

He said a 1,400-space parking facility at the hospital entrance would allow vehicles to be removed from the hospital grounds, which would then be transformed into a park over the next two years.

Rama also said the government was negotiating a partnership between QSUT and a major international medical institution that could involve hospital management cooperation and exchanges between doctors.

The plan also includes a private facility within the hospital, which Rama said could provide doctors with additional income while generating further revenue for the hospital.

“We are in negotiations and have several options. The discussions are continuing and I believe we will soon establish this partnership,” he said.

Spahiu and Rama also presented certificates of appreciation to doctors and professors who have contributed to the development of cardiac surgery services at QSUT.

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The statue, installed in the cathedral’s courtyard, depicts Mother Teresa with one hand raised in blessing, adding another symbol of remembrance and tribute to the Albanian-born saint.

Dodaj and Apostolic Nuncio to Albania Miroslav Adamczyk led the ceremony, which was attended by numerous citizens paying tribute to Mother Teresa’s life and work.

The unveiling highlights Mother Teresa’s enduring image as a symbol of compassion, dedication to people in need, peace and solidarity.

Mother Teresa remains one of the most prominent figures of Albanian origin and a global symbol of humanitarian commitment. The 10th anniversary of her canonisation has been marked by commemorative and religious events in Albania and elsewhere.

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At the opening ceremony, Rama said the initiative had initially been met with scepticism and ridicule, but added that it had now become a reality with the school officially opening its doors.

The government head thanked Israel-based defence company Elbit Systems, describing it as a global leader in military technology, for its involvement in the project.

“They believed in this project and joined us, providing their outstanding expertise, which makes Elbit Systems one of the most advanced capabilities in today’s defence technology sector,” Rama said.

The Prime Minister said that only a decade ago the Albanian Armed Forces had been left in a difficult state, while personnel faced significant challenges. He referred to past corruption allegations linked to participation in peacekeeping missions abroad as “painful anecdotes.”

Rama said the armed forces are now among the best paid in the region, adding that the government’s goal is to bring salaries closer to the NATO average under the “Albania 2030” vision and the EU accession process.

He also highlighted growing interest among young people in joining the armed forces, saying recruitment had shifted from scarcity to competition.

The National Flight School, he said, will train and certify not only Albanian pilots but also young pilots from NATO countries in the region, including Kosovo.

Rama said Defence Minister had been tasked with exploring interest from Kosovo and other neighbouring NATO member states in sending pilots for training and certification in Albania.

He added that the school benefits from international expertise provided by Elbit Systems, as well as experience from Albanian Air Force personnel.

Rama also said the country now has a fully operational air fleet and is better prepared to respond to seasonal challenges such as wildfires.

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In his remarks at the inauguration ceremony, Justice Minister Ulsi Manja said the facility is equipped with modern technology that brings the institute in line with European Union scientific standards.

“This investment follows the restructuring of the institute’s building, transforming it into a modern and efficient service in support of justice,” Manja said at the opening ceremony.

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The ceremony was attended by Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani; Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States at the Holy See; Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, Chancellor and Foreign Minister of the Sovereign Order of Malta; representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See; and other officials.

In his speech, Foreign Minister Hasani described the new embassy as a symbol of strengthening relations between Albania and the Holy See, emphasizing their shared values of human dignity, respect for diversity, religious freedom, and social justice.

He added that the new diplomatic premises will support joint efforts to build bridges for a more peaceful and united world.

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This modern stadium has been rebuilt from scratch thanks to the vision and dedication of President of the Egnatia club Agim Demrozi as well as the significant financial support of the Football Association.

Albanian Football Association has invested over 2 million euros in the construction of the new stand, the lighting system, the covers and benches, the electronic screen, bringing a modern infrastructure and European standards.

Attending the ceremony was President of the Albanian Football Association Armand Duka and President of Egnatia sports club Agim Demrozi, who jointly unveiled the inauguration plaque, amidst the numerous applauses of the fans.

During a statement for fshf.org, President Duka appreciated this day as one of the most important for Rrogozhina football and for the Egnatia club. He emphasized that the new stadium, with a capacity of about 5 thousand seats and equipped with all the conditions of a category 4 facility, is ready to host any international match.

President Duka concluded his speech with an appeal for more fans in the stadiums and for a better promotion of the Albanian championship.

On his part, President of the Egnatia Agim Demrozi said it was a historic day for the city of Rrogozhina and thanked the Albanian Football Association and President Duka for the contribution given in the construction of the “Egnatia Arena” stadium.

The “Egnatia Arena” is now ready to host not only the Albanian championship matches, but also important international challenges, giving a new impetus to the development of football in this area. During the European U-17 Championship, which will take place in Albania from May 19 to June 1, at the “Egnatia Arena” stadium there will be held three matches. /a.f/p.s./

The ceremony was held at the Cathedral of Resurrection of Christ in downtown Tirana, formally launching Joan’s leadership as the archbishop of Tirana, Durres and all of Albania and also head of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania.

The ceremony was attended by high-ranking representatives of the Albanian and Greek states, as well as delegations from 13 Orthodox Churches of the world. Present at the ceremony were the Head of State Bajram Begaj, Minister of Defense of Greece Nikos Dendias, Minister of Education and Religion, as well as the Ambassador of Greece in Tirana Kostandina Kamici.

Archbishop of Albania Ioan stated in his speech that strengthening unity within the church is an indispensable need to achieve its goal. His Beatitude underlined that the dictatorship destroyed the outer walls of the churches, but not the hearts of faith.

“In critical times, God visited our church. I honor the memory of my forerunners. I mention two outstanding personalities. My Lord, Fan Noli, was the right man. He was endowed by God with extraordinary talents; he contributed to the national reconciliation. In record time he provided the church with the main books.

At the end of the 20th century, when the Orthodox church was found in ruins, God sent another bright person, Archbishop Anastasios, who made it possible to rebuild it. His preaching was love and respect for every human being, a spirit that we must preserve.

Let us say thank you and be grateful! The more gratitude we have, the closer God will be to us.

Every time has had its challenges. In the century we live, there are the new technologies which present new challenges and our church is not exempt from these. We must face them not only to protect ourselves but also to find solutions. Our effort and focus, God’s protection and preservation, strengthening unity within the church are indispensable to achieving its goal,” said His Beatitude Joan./p.s./

Albania’s Orthodox Church on Saturday held an inauguration ceremony for its new Archbishop Joan, who succeeded Archbishop Anastasios following his death in January.

The ceremony was held at the Cathedral of Resurrection of Christ in downtown Tirana, formally launching Joan’s leadership as the archbishop of Tirana, Durres and all of Albania and also head of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania.

Attending the ceremony were senior representatives of the Albanian and Greek states, as well as delegations from 13 Orthodox Churches around the world. Present at the ceremony were Head of State Bajram Begaj, Minister of Defense of Greece Nikos Dendias, Minister of Education and Religion and Ambassador of Greece in Tirana Kostandina Kamici.

In front of the Albanian and international clergy and Orthodox believers, the President of the Republic congratulated His Beatitude Joan calling this day historic for the Autocephaly of the Albanian Orthodox Church and for the entire Albanian society.

“May you be a leader who builds bridges, who encourages coexistence, who strengthens faith, who spreads love, peace, hope and justice among people! May God be with you at every step of this noble journey!” – said President of the Republic.

President Begaj described the inauguration of Archbishop Joan as a new chapter in the spiritual life of the country that begins with hope, faith and responsibility, while at the same time expressing gratitude to the previous Archbishop Anastasios for his service with wisdom and dedication.

President of the Republic also emphasized the significance of the church, not only as a religious institution, but also as a guide and protector of spiritual, cultural and national values.

President Begaj invited all citizens to build a more just, humble, united, and fraternal society, while guaranteeing the state’s support in everything that serves the benefit of citizens, that strengthens harmony and coexistence between faiths, that strengthens understanding and the values ​​that unite us. /p.s./