Deputy Minister of Defense Blerina Abrazhda received the Italian delegation at the Ministry of Defense.

The visit agenda carried a working meeting at the Naval Force headquarters, as well as a site inspection in the Porto Romano area, where the port complex is set to be built.

The Ministry of Defense described the cooperation with the Italian side as a contribution to strengthening security in the Adriatic Sea. /gj.m/r.e/a.f/p.s./

This initiative boosts environmental awareness and encourages sustainable care for one of Albania’s unique regions. By blending art with social and ecological responsibility, the Porto Palermo Festival engages the local community. The European Union supports these cultural and eco-friendly projects to protect Albania’s heritage.

After magical nights inside the castle, the Porto Palermo Festival moves to the open sea and sky for its final two days. On August 21 and 22 in Himara, the “Porto Palermo Outdoor” finale features Dren Abazi, Olen Cesari, Offchestra, and more, closing out the festival’s sixth year. /p.s./

Stretched between green hills, Porto Palermo beach on the Albanian Riviera is one of the most popular summer destinations, both for local tourists and for foreigners.

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared today a photo from Porto Palermo in social media describing it as an idyllic place, a picturesque landscape that evoke a sense of calm and tranquility.

The beach has a spectacular view with white pebbles, crystal clear waters and a 200-year-old castle at the top.

It is known by two names, the Porto-Palermo Castle or the Ali Pashë Tepelena Castle.

During the summer season, the beach remains a very attractive destination for all visitors who seek tranquility, freshness, history and immense beauty that Porto Palermo offers. /e.i/j.p/p.s./

Yesterday evening, the audience sang and danced with the energy of Olen Cesari, Marsela Çibukaj, Dren Abazi, the Albanian Folkl Ensemble, as well as with the special participation of Gjirokastra singer Roland Çenko and Himaria singer Katina Beleri, turning the night into an unforgettable celebration.

The organizers of the Porto Palermo Festival thanked the municipality of Himara and Mayor Vangjel Tavo, as well as the Albanian Development Fund, for their support and trust in this artistic event.

Porto Palermo Festival began on July 31, with a territory clean-up action.

The festival aimed not only to bring the best artists, but also to promote sustainable cultural tourism in Albania. The historical Ali Pasha Castle was filled with music, emotion and positive energy for 12 unforgettable nights during which extraordinary artists performed with strong emotions on a unique stage. /gj.m/j.p/p.s./

The stage of the Ali Pasha Castle was lit up by her energy and voice that defies time. It was her first participation in this festival, which this year marks its 5th anniversary. Aurela Gaçe’s night turned into an unforgettable celebration for the audience in the medieval castle, where each song gave way to emotions and joy. The audience sang, danced and applauded her non-stop.

Another evening at the Porto Palermo Castle was dedicated to Latin music. The fiery rhythms of Latin America conquered the magical stage, when Carlos Paz and Sin Fronteras brought passion, energy and music “without borders”, turning the night into a celebration full of dance and emotions under the southern stars.

Other well-known artists who became part of the Porto Palermo Festival this weekend were Kastriot Tusha and Ardian Trebicka. Sweet serenades and pearls of cultivated Albanian music were combined with the magical backdrop of the sea and the centuries-old walls of the castle. Every note, every word, every melody seemed to come alive telling stories of love, memories and forgotten dreams. /a.f/p.s./

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared in the social media a video information about this castle, while inviting visitors to discover it.

“The Porto Palermo Castle, a pearl of history among the crystal clear sea, which invites every visitor to discover it”, said Rama in the caption attached to the views.

Porto Palermo Castle stands in one of the most beautiful areas of the Albanian coast, hidden among the crystal clear waters of the Ionian Sea.

Built by Ali Pasha Tepelena at the beginning of the 19th century as a gift for his wife Vasiliqi, this castle hides a history full of mystery inside. World literary figures such as Alexandre Dumas, etc. have also written about it.

The unique architecture of the castle speaks of the mastery of construction and strategic intelligence. From the high towers and defensive walls, the eye sees an endless horizon where the sea and the sky merge into a stunning view.

The narrow corridors, entrance and secret rooms of the castle are witnesses to the defensive strategies used by Ali Pasha. The Strategy Room preserves the atmosphere of the time. There were drawn up plans for the defense of the territory.

Also, this special place has become a perfect stage for cultural and artistic events. Every year, visitors from all over the world come to discover this place, feeling the spirit of history in every corner.

Also, the beaches and the wild nature around it complete a perfect offer for all tourists. /m.m/j.p/p.s./

PM Rama delivered a greeting speech at the ceremony of awarding “Doctor Honoris Causa” to NATO General Christopher G. Cavoli, whom he praised as “a dear and lifelong friend and supporter of Albania in the North Atlantic Alliance”.

Speaking about the Porto Romano project, Rama said that, “It’s not just words, but there is cooperation on from both sides”.

“Albania is always ready to cooperate on its own way, but when the cooperation is on both sides, it is great. And as they say: God bless the USA! God bless the NATO! May God bless Albania”, said Rama.

General Christopher Cavoli, Supreme Commander of NATO and of American Forces in Europe, was awarded the title “Doctor Honoris Causa”, in a special ceremony at the European University of Tirana.

The title was awarded with the motivation “For outstanding contribution to strengthening security and cooperation at the global level”. /m.m//a.f/p.s./

While considering him a great friend of Tirana and Albania, Veliaj gave to Moreira as a present the Clock Tower of Tirana.

Mayor Veliaj took the opportunity to highlight the significance of cooperation for a joint team between the two municipalities.

“What a pleasant coincidence of Portugal is also playing today, so we will see both Ronaldo and Portugal together on the pitch. But, above all, we want to build joint teams between our municipalities that will operate beyond a monthly championship. Tirana will be the Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue next year, so our great hope is that from this collaboration started with the city of Porto, we will learn more about tourism, the sustainable management of cities for public transport, for the art and culture as a way to stimulate the economy”, said Veliaj.

He said that a large part of the tourists who visit Tirana come from Portugal, calling this an indicator of the friendship between the two countries.

For his part, Mayor Moreira praised the work done in Tirana, describing it as a modern city that offers services that are not common even in large European cities.

“When I see electric taxis in Tirana, believe me, it’s not something common in Europe,” Moreira emphasized.

Of course, he added, we have many things we can cooperate on. /k.s/p.s./

“Satisfied to see so many large international companies interested in the construction of the commercial port in Porto Romano, one of the most strategic works not only for Albania but for the entire region”, wrote Rama while sharing the video.

Ivo Huisman, the representative of the “Van Oord” company, appreciated that, “This was a very good presentation and a very interesting project”.

Romain Brieu, from “Soletanche Bachy”, “Vinci Group”, from France said that: “We came because we are very interested in this project of Porto Romano”./p.s./

The festival, which has the support of the Ministry of Culture and the Italian Embassy in Tirana, takes place during the weekends of the 1st month. It started in mid-July and ends on August 15.

Well-known artists from Albania, Kosovo and other countries will perform.

Minister Margariti singled out the performance of singer Vikena Kamenica, who “full of energy lit up the castle”, as she put it.

Last night, at the festival performed Enrico Giaretta, an Italian singer-songwriter.

Earlier on, the beautiful Vasiliqi Castle, located in a strategic position on the peninsula, hosted Dren Abazi as well as the jazz music quartet, Ajs Quartet.

This is the second edition of the Porto Palermo Festival. /j.p/p.s./