The senators were accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt.

Begaj praised the strategic partnership and longstanding alliance between Albania and the United States, citing shared democratic values and a commitment to Euro-Atlantic security.

He thanked Washington for its continued support for Albania’s Euro-Atlantic integration, democratic institutions, justice reform and defence capabilities.

The president stressed the importance of continued cooperation within NATO and U.S. engagement in the Western Balkans to preserve peace, stability and the region’s Euro-Atlantic prospects. He also highlighted the U.S. contribution to Kosovo’s security through the NATO-led KFOR mission.

The talks also addressed the Board of Peace, with Begaj expressing Albania’s support for international initiatives promoting dialogue and cooperation.

“Excellent political cooperation creates opportunities to translate our ties into concrete cooperation in areas such as energy, investment, defence, cybersecurity and infrastructure,” Begaj said.

During the award ceremony, Begaj praised the senators’ contributions to strengthening the strategic partnership between Albania and the United States and their continued support for Albania’s Euro-Atlantic integration and stability in the Western Balkans.

He also highlighted their support for the Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act, which aims to strengthen economic, democratic and institutional cooperation across the region.

The ceremony reaffirmed the close ties between Albania and the United States and Albania’s appreciation for those who have helped strengthen the bilateral partnership.

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Upon receiving the Grand Star of the ‘Benemerenti’ Medal from Prime Minister Edi Rama, Gonzato reflected on his career, noting that the EU represents far more to him than a mere economic market. Rather, he framed it as a profound union built on fundamental European values.

“The European Union has always been for me much more than a common market or economy. It is about people and the values ​​we share: freedom, equality, respect for human rights and the rule of law”, said Gonzato.

“I am deeply grateful for my three extraordinary years in Albania. Thank you to the wonderful citizens I’ve met, and it has been an honor to support you as Albania moves closer to its goal of EU integration”, said the ambassador.

Gonzato underlined that during his mandate, the EU Delegation has consistently pushed for meaningful reforms, demanding results but remaining a fair partner. We are committed to a truly inclusive integration process—building a society where everyone contributes, institutions protect every citizen’s rights, and the younger generation has a powerful voice in shaping the country’s future.

“This country will remain in my heart for the rest of my life. See you in the EU,” concluded the message of the European Union Ambassador to Albania. /gj.m/j.p/p.s./

Presenting the award at a ceremony in the Prime Minister’s office, Rama praised Hollande for his support in strengthening bilateral ties and for backing Albania’s European integration efforts.

“In recognition of his friendship, support and contribution to strengthening relations between Albania and France, I had the honour of awarding him the Gold Medal of Public Gratitude,” Rama said.

The Prime Minister also thanked Hollande for promoting Albania internationally and for his continued encouragement of the country’s path towards European Union membership.

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This recognition of Ina Kosturi comes after several other important awards in Slovenia, Malta, Vienna, Switzerland, the USA and England.

“Winner of Bronze Medal ! Global Music Award USA ! Honored , happy , deeply grateful!”, wrote Kosturi in the social media. /j.p/p.s./

Albanian Karate Association announced that Lanika Rexhepi has been declared European Vice-Champion in the Cadet +61 kg category, at the European Cadet, Junior & U21 Championship.

On Saturday, Neevis Hasani won the bronze medal in the cadet category for the -52 kg weight category.

Albania was represented at the European Karate Championship with 14 athletes, led by coaches Mirandi Backa, Lirim Dedej and Jetmir Rexhepi. /p.s./

Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro congratulated student Spahia on his victory, emphasizing that, “Another gold medal for our country, thanks to our incredible students”.

Kumbaro appreciated Dardan as an example of formula for excellence: Talent, passion, and discipline.

Spahia competed among European athletes in the U18 category.

Few days ago, Loris Qose, a student at the “7 Marsi” school in Cërrik, won first place in mathematics at the “Neo Science Olympiad” organized in the USA.

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The Albanian wrightlifter ranked third in the jerk and clean and jerk for the weight up to 53 kilograms. Koni lifted 164 kilograms in total.

In the snatch, Koni ranked the fourth.

A special merit for this result goes to Partizani’s coach Ervis Tabaku.

69 athletes from 8 countries in the region are participating in the Balkan Championship for adults in weightlifting.

The championship is held in Albania after 38-years./gj.m/r.e/a.f/p.s./

Minister of Education and Sports Ogerta Manastirliu wrote in a post in the social media that, “In its debut in this prestigious competition, the Albanian Special Olympics Team has excelled with the performance of our athletes with special abilities, winning two gold medals: Elizon Kacanja in Alpine Skiing and Stela Salla in Cross Country Skiing; a Silver medal Elizon Kacanja in Giant Slalom and two bronze medals Joanis Myrtollaris in Alpine Skiing and Joel Gërmenji in Snowshoeing (50m)”.

“This is an extraordinary achievement of our special athletes”, said Manastirliu.

In this multi-sport event, Albania is being represented by 6 athletes with intellectual disabilities in 3 winter sports disciplines for the first time in the history of Albanian sports,. /k.s/j.p/p.s./

The 17-year-old from the city of Korça has won the maximum points in chemistry, mathematics and coding. Orges competed in this Olympiad along with 160 young people from all over the world.

Mayor of Korça Sotiraq Filo appreciated Orges Ibi in a post in the social media as an excellent example of extraordinary talent, born from his passion and commitment, as well as the opportunities offered by the Innovation Center of the Municipality of Korça.

“This is evidence that when investing in opportunities for the development of youth, there are achieved extraordinary successes that affect not only individuals, but also the development of society and its future,” wrote Mayor Filo.

The Innovation Center in Korça plays a key role in creating spaces where there can develop young talents, thus strengthening the ecosystem of knowledge and technology in the region. More than 40 young people from the city of Korça are trained every day at the Innovation Center in the fields of programming, coding and new sciences. /j.p/p.s./

At the Balkan Championship held in Romania, with the participation of about 460 practitioners, Ernest Merdanaj excelled in all 3 of his matches, first against an opponent from Serbia, then against an athlete from Turkey and in the final he defeated an athlete from Kosovo, being crowned with the title of Balkan Champion.

Based on the points accumulated and the high-level matches, Ernest Merdanaj was declared the best athlete of the event and coach Arjola Kasaj, the best Taekwondo coach of the Balkan Championship.

Ibrahim Hidri also performed very well and won the gold medal. /j.p/p.s./