During the Oath of Enlistment ceremony of the students at the Armed Forces Academy, Begaj stated, among other things, that the new members represent the hope, continuity and moral strength of the defense institution.

As the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Begaj emphasized during his speech to the new officers that their mission goes beyond the profession because it is an honor, pride and service in defense of the homeland, guaranteeing peace and security.

Referring to the complex security situations, Begaj emphasized that peace and security cannot be taken for granted and that they are values ​​that must be protected every day and require dedication, vigilance and sacrifice.

In this context, the President of the Republic appreciated that the Armed Forces have shown professionalism, reliability and commitment to NATO and international peace and that Albania has an active contribution to NATO, European Union and United Nations missions and operations.

“Albania will continue to increase the defense budget not only to fulfill its commitments to the Alliance, but to guarantee the quality and sustainable growth of the Armed Forces because the power of an army is not measured only by equipment or numbers, but, above all, by the people who make it up, by the new generations that join it. It is measured by you”, stated Begaj during this ceremony. He emphasized that, “the Armed Forces Academy has a great role and responsibility: preparing new military leaders, capable of coping with the contemporary security environment and the standards of interoperability with NATO”, said Begaj. /m.q/j.p/p.s./

Blendi Gonxhe, the Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation, Adea Pirdeni, State Minister for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption, and Ervin Mete, the Minister of Finance, took oath of office in front of the President of the Republic.

The President of Republic Bajram Begaj handed over the relevant appointment decree wishing them every success on their duties.

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The Assembly convened at 18.00 hrs in an extraordinary session for the swearing-in ceremony of the President.

Speaker of the Assembly Lindita Nikolla read the oath formula and President Begaj swore in front of the Assembly with his hand on the Constitution of Albania.

After the national anthem was played, Begaj delivered the inaugural address in the Assembly during which he thanked the MPs for their trust.

Begaj highlighted the historical moment for our country that has entered an irreversible European path.

“We are sitting at the negotiating table to prove, chapter by chapter, our worthiness as a country and state, with political maturity to self-govern according to European legal norms. I hold in high esteem the work of the government. But, the effort and desire cannot justify any failure. I also respect the Albanian opposition and the values ​​that it represents, but I would like to never see conflict before cooperation and finding solutions”, emphasized Begaj.

President Begaj added that, “The time we are living in is one of the most difficult and unpredictable since the Second World War. After the pandemic, there was the Russian aggression on the people of Ukraine that has plunged the world into another crisis, awakening dark memories of the disastrous consequences of the war. No one can be exempted from its consequences, not even Albania and the Albanians, who have lined up on the right side, alongside the allies”.

“Our commitment is to find ways to ease the situation”, underlined Begaj.

“The crisis of the long and tiring transition, the crises produced from within or imported from abroad, the crises from our disagreements, from the inability to find a language and a common path, the crisis from irresponsibility, from corruption – all these have produced uncertainty, injustice and exclusion”, said the Head of State.

“I swore today that I will serve to the national interest and the progress of the Albanian people, and fulfill my duty according to the principles and norms of the Constitution”, stated Begaj in his speech.

“In such a turbulent time, we need unity more than ever so that to ensure the vitality of our nation, the vitality of Albania. Let’s all together make our Albania even more beautiful, to be in the place where it belongs. May God bless Albania and the Albanians!” said Begaj in his first speech as President of the Republic, after taking the oath in the Assembly./p.s./