In a message posted on social media, Begaj said the result should translate into greater rights for ethnic Albanians and an end to discrimination against them.

“The victory of the Albanians of the Presheva Valley is a victory of unity, dignity and political representation,” Begaj wrote.

He stressed that the electoral outcome should be followed by concrete steps to improve respect for their rights and ensure equality.

“Now this result must translate into more rights, equality and an end to discrimination. Many congratulations!” the head of state said.

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In a statement posted on Facebook, Begaj said the right to peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy and that the state had a duty to guarantee it.

“But violence cannot be a means of expressing discontent, just as the use of force by the police must remain within the limits of the law and proportionality,” the President said.

The head of state stressed that Albania needs greater responsibility from all sides and that the Constitution and the law must remain binding on everyone, without exception.

Begaj also said he was ready to hear citizens’ concerns, adding that his office would remain open to any young person or citizen wishing to express their views, engage in dialogue and contribute to the country’s well-being.

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Begaj was welcomed by Dibër Mayor Rahim Spahiu, with whom he discussed local development projects and challenges, heritage promotion and the area’s tourism potential.

At the festival’s closing ceremony in Peshkopi, Begaj described “Oda Dibrane” as a symbol of unity among Albanians across their homeland and the diaspora, highlighting its role in preserving and promoting national identity.

He added that the festival brought together Albanians from Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, the Preševo Valley, the Arbëresh communities in Italy and the diaspora worldwide, stressing that culture and tradition remained powerful forces for unity across national borders.

Reflecting on the traditional Albanian oda, or gathering room, Begaj said it was a place where folk wisdom, customs, songs and the values of trust and hospitality were preserved and passed down through generations.

The head of state also stressed the need to safeguard cultural heritage and pass it on to younger generations.

“Cultural heritage is not merely a memory of the past, and folklore cannot be a museum that opens a few times a year, only for celebrations.

“A tradition lives only when it is sung, danced, told, learned and passed on. A song that is no longer sung is lost. A dance that is no longer taught is lost. A word, a ritual, an instrument or a craft that is not passed on to the next generation risks remaining only in an archive,” Begaj said, emphasising that preserving identity requires active participation.

He also praised the contribution of the Albanian diaspora, noting that songs, dances, language and customs served as bridges connecting Albanians abroad with their homeland.

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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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In a message marking the start of the 2026-27 academic year in Albania, the head of state also highlighted the role of universities in preparing both skilled professionals and engaged citizens.

“Today marks the start of a new academic year, a new journey of dedication and challenges for students and university staff,” Begaj said.

“Universities are where not only the skilled professionals of tomorrow are shaped, but, above all, engaged citizens who will build the country’s future.”

Begaj encouraged students to make the most of their university years, urging them to have “the courage to dream, the discipline to work hard and the confidence to achieve success.”

He also extended his wishes to students and university staff for a successful academic year.

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Speaking at the ceremony, Begaj said the certification demonstrated the progress, high level of training, discipline and professionalism of the Armed Forces, adding that the standard must be maintained.

He said military readiness was built every day through training and professionalism and stressed the need to strengthen defence capabilities amid security challenges including the war in Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East, hybrid threats, cyberattacks and disinformation.

“Peace is not maintained through passivity or declarations alone. It is defended through readiness, training, strong alliances and a well-equipped and prepared Armed Force,” Begaj said.

The president, who is also commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, highlighted the importance of Albania’s partnerships with the United States and NATO, saying the Armed Forces were capable of contributing alongside allies wherever required.

Being certified “Mission Capable” was not merely a title attached to an exercise but demonstrated the real ability to deploy and operate effectively alongside allies whenever required, Begaj said.

He also highlighted investment in the defence industry, modernisation of military structures, development of capabilities and infrastructure, and national security.

The head of state praised NATO allies for their support and highlighted the strategic partnership with the United States, saying U.S. assistance had been continuous and decisive in strengthening Albania’s defence capabilities.

He also conveyed his gratitude to the New Jersey National Guard, represented at the ceremony by Brigadier General Yvonne L. Mays.

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Begaj made the remarks during a meeting with German representatives of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, including Dieter Althaus, former prime minister of Thuringia and a member of the foundation’s board, and Thomas Kunze, its representative in Albania.

The head of state thanked Germany for its continued support for Albania’s EU integration and praised the foundation’s role in backing reforms to strengthen democracy, the rule of law and democratic institutions.

He said Albania was focusing on judicial reforms, the rule of law and stronger institutions while aligning its legislation and policies with EU standards.

The meeting also highlighted the need to build on strong political ties between Albania and Germany by expanding economic, trade and tourism cooperation.

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“Every new day at school is an opportunity to learn, discover and dream,” Begaj said, highlighting the role of education in shaping future generations and quality education as a foundation for the country’s future.T

The head of state encouraged students to approach the new academic year with greater dedication and determination.

“Believe in yourselves, believe in your dreams and in the future. It will be better, and it is in your hands,” Begaj said.

He extended a special message to the children entering school for the first time.

Begaj also expressed his gratitude to teachers who, with dedication, patience and care, carry out what he described as a noble mission.

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Begaj also issued a decree dismissing Sala from the post, which she had held since September 2025.

Parliament is expected to vote on Spahiu’s appointment later on Tuesday. She must then take the oath of office before the president before formally assuming her duties.

Prime Minister Edi Rama nominated Spahiu for the position several days ago, following Sala’s resignation.

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Begaj reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Netherlands, describing it as an important European partner and a trusted NATO ally.

The two sides described political relations between the countries as excellent, while economic ties were also at a high level, the President’s press office said.

The Albanian head of state thanked the Netherlands for its support to Albania over the years in defence, law enforcement, and the rule of law, democratic institutions, civil society and the media.

Particular attention was given to Albania’s European Union integration process. Through Ambassador Monster, Begaj expressed Albania’s appreciation for Dutch support for its EU membership bid and welcomed Dutch expertise in helping the country achieve its goal of joining the bloc by 2030.

Begaj wished Monster success in her tenure and said Albanian institutions stood ready to support her work and deepen bilateral cooperation.

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