In the capacity of the host country representative, Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania Miriam Shyti emphasized that, “During the time being, we are placing the Diaspora at the heart of our strategic vision of our European future”.

On behalf of the Montenegrin Presidency of the Western Balkans Fund for 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro Ervin Ibrahimović delivered a recorded message, emphasizing that, “The Diaspora is the best ambassador of our culture and a key partner in supporting the development and strengthening the vital ties between our region and the world”.

On behalf of the Embassy of Japan in Tirana, Chargé d’Affaires Omori welcomed the “Lead Balkans” conference, underlining Japan’s strong commitment to the Western Balkans region and its continued support for initiatives that foster regional cooperation and stronger institutional ties with the Diaspora communities.

The Western Balkans Fund CEO, Dr. Gjergj Murra emphasized that more than just a forum for ideas, this conference is a concrete step toward long-term regional solutions, specifically targeting human capital loss and enhancing diaspora cooperation.

On his part, Director of the Visegrad International Fund Kapustová Helbichová reaffirmed his support for regional dialogue, cooperation and stronger cross-border partnerships.

The “Lead Balkans – Regional Leaders of the Diaspora” conference is organized by the Western Balkans Fund, with the financial support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the Visegrad International Fund and the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO). /gj.m/a.f/p.s./

In this context, Prime Minister Edi Rama shared in the social media views of the Lead Mosque in Shkodër, highlighting the complete restoration of one of the rarest and most representative monuments of Albanian cultural heritage.

This gem of Ottoman architecture, built in 1773-1774, is considered the largest Ottoman mosque in Albania and holds the status of a First Category Cultural Monument.

The Lead Mosque was built by Mehmet Pasha Bushatlliu, according to the model of architect Sinan. It was declared a Cultural Monument in 1973 and is the only mosque remaining in this area from the Ottoman period.

The revitalization project included the in-depth restoration of the mosque’s structure, as well as transformation of the surrounding space, giving the area a new aesthetic and functional dimension. In addition to the interventions in the building, there has been work even for adjustment and restore of the exterior, with the aim of preserving its authenticity and historical values.

After the restoration, the mosque has become another important tourist attraction for Shkodra, contributing to the promotion of cultural heritage and the development of tourism in the region. /j.p/p.s./

“For us in the Socialist Party, gender equality has not been a problem. It has been important for us to build a meritocracy system so that women can compete equally with men. We have a government where 70% of the cabinet are women”, Balluku said at the conference held today with the topic “She leads – dedicated to Albanian women entrepreneurs”.

However, the deputy prime minister emphasized that women in rural areas should be supported and that the government has set up special schemes to support their initiatives.

“We work every day to strengthen the role of women in entrepreneurship. It is our duty as a government to support ladies living outside urban areas. This is one of the policies we have pursued. We are working not only with the Ministry for the Protection of Entrepreneurship, but also through the schemes of the Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development to support every initiative of them”, stated Balluku.

Balluku said that studies have shown that after 2021, which also coincides with the time after the pandemic, there is an increase in the number of women and girls who have taken the courage to be entrepreneurs themselves.

“Women in entrepreneurship have several advantages; they are determined, they are independent, they have initiative and when they start something, they start it after an analysis they have done with themselves. Entrepreneurial women are those who get up before the sun rises and try to contribute to the future”, stated Deputy Prime Minister Balluku./r.e/p.s./

Following the interventions in this mosque, believers will return to a temple in optimal conditions, while Shkodra and the whole of Albania will have another great tourist attraction added.

In the meantime, geological surveys were carried out in the field with the participation of Turkish and Albanian specialists from Shkodra Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage.

The main intervention is expected to solve the problem of flooding, the creation of a safe drainage system, the prevention of flood waters and the restoration of the building. The environment around it will turn into a park worthy of believers and tourists.

The construction techniques and materials used in the cultural monument and all original architectural details will not be affected.

Built in 1773, according to the model of architect Sinan, the Lead Mosque or Mehmet Pashë Bushati Mosque in Shkodër is one of the most unique in Albania.

It is a historical mosque and cultural monument of the first category and the largest Ottoman mosque in all of Albania. The records show that the mosque was built with stones brought by the people using a chain system (hand to hand) from Guri i Zi, and the legs of the bridge of Kiri were built with the leftovers.

One year ago, Minister of Culture signed the agreement for restoration of the mosque with her Turkish counterpart. /j.p/p.s./