The festival was officially opened in the presence of the minister and representatives of local Italian institutions, highlighting the role of Arbëresh culture as a bridge between the two peoples.

At this event, the three Arbëresh municipalities, Casalvecchio, Chieuti and San Marzano di San Giuseppe, were officially declared cultural protected areas of Puglia, in a symbolic act that emphasizes the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of Arbëresh communities.

Minister Balla praised the role of the Arbëresh as, “The finest example of preserving our national language and traditions for more than five centuries”.

He emphasized that the Arbëreshi people and the Albanian diaspora in Italy constitute “a strong bridge between our two peoples”, underlining the importance of involvement of the diaspora in preserving national identity.

The “Fraternity” festival took place on July 26 and 27 in Casalvecchio di Puglia, in its eighth edition, bringing together over 100 artists, singers and dancers from the Arbëresh communities of Italy and from Albania, especially from Vlora.

For two days, participants took part in cultural, artistic and gastronomic activities, with concerts, discussions, exhibitions and shared lunches and dinners in the squares. /j.p/p.s./

“I strongly believe that our ties with Italy are inseparable. As we talk about the situation in Ukraine and Russia, we come to understand how important it is to have good neighbours. For us, Italy and Puglia are good neighbours; we are not afraid of them and we are not endangered. Our good neighbourhood relationship is quite different. Italy hosted us in the past; Italy has helped us, we have had success stories in Italy and today, even the material goods coming from the European Union, such as IPA funds or inter-regional funds, with which the Puglia region is investing in Albania during this year of youth, are the example of a good neighbourhood “, underlined Veliaj.

On his part, Noci said that Tirana has been highly valued during these years, especially in terms of regional engagements for young people.

Ambassador of Italy in Tirana Fabrizio Bucci thanked the representative of Puglia for the support that his Region is giving to Tirana in the year of youth. “The presence here of Mr. Delli Noci proves the fact how much Italy knows how to play in a team. The region of Puglia has made this pleasant calendar of events, throughout this year, when Tirana is the “European Capital of Youth”. Thus, this calendar of activities of the Puglia region joins numerous other activities that are programmed and join the Week of Italy. This is a good example of teamwork between the central government, the regions, the Puglia Region and especially the mayor of Tirana, whom I thank “, concluded Bucci./p.s./