Swiss Ambassador Ruth Huber welcomed representatives from central and local government, civil society, religious communities, the diplomatic community and the media. This year’s event celebrated the close ties between Switzerland and Albania, with a heartfelt speech by Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha.

Ambassador Huber highlighted the excellent bilateral relations between Switzerland and Albania.

During the reception, visitors had the opportunity to receive gifts: high-quality olive oil and aromatic plants sponsored by Albanian businesses that have been supported through the Swiss Cooperation Program over the years. The guests also enjoyed traditional raclette, Swiss desserts, and Chardonnay and Merlot wines from the cantons of Vaud and Ticino. While dynamic videos showcased the beauty of Switzerland along with memorable moments from the many projects that Switzerland has supported and implemented in Albania over the years./a.f/p.s./

Attending the event was Speaker of the Parliament Niko Peleshi, Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu, ministers, MPs, ambassadors accredited to our country, representatives of the religious community, the media and civil society.

Ambassador Suard said in her remarks at the event that, “France has confidence in Albania’s ability to maintain the pace of reforms and to conclude the European integration process as soon as possible”.

According to her, France will continue to support Albania while both countries share the “common ambition of a reunited Europe.”

Focusing on bilateral relations, which she described as at the highest historical level, the French ambassador mentioned as concrete examples the establishment of the French Institute “KubFranceTirana”, the opening of Ecole42, the transformation of Villa 31 into an international artists’ residence and the campus of the University of Technology of Compiègne into the Polytechnic University of Tirana.

The ambassador emphasized that one of the most important projects of the coming years will be the opening in 2027 of the French Lycée in Korça. “This public lyceum will be a strategic investment for Franco-Albanian relations, for Albanian youth in Europe and for Francophonie in the region”, she said.

Suard also noted since 2020, economic ties have deepened, as the AFD Group has pledged over $610 million in grants and concessional loans to support Albania’s energy, environmental, and infrastructure initiatives.

Suard added that France aims to expand investments in renewable energy, tourism, innovation and defense.

On his part, Speaker of Parliament Peleshi praised, “The strong friendship between Albania and France, the shared values ​​of freedom, equality and fraternity, as well as the close cooperation on the European path, the development and strengthening of democracy in our country”.

While Deputy Prime Minister Koçiu praised the relations and cooperation between the two countries. She emphasized that, “France is a friend of Albania and an ally on our European path”. /p.s./

Costa is visiting all six Western Balkan countries in the run-up to the summit scheduled for June 5 in Tivat, Montenegro.

The meeting in Tirana is expected to take place between 11:15 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., followed by a joint press conference at 12:15 p.m.

The Media and Information Agency (MIA) said in a statement on Monday the summit comes six months after the previous EU-Western Balkans meeting in Brussels and aims to reaffirm closer ties between the European Union and the region.

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Begaj wished media professionals a successful new year, noting that the gathering goes beyond a festive occasion and serves as recognition of their daily work and dedication.

The head of state highlighted journalism as a profession with significant challenges and high public responsibility

“I have always thought that being a doctor is the most beautiful profession in the world. In fact, I was wrong, because, as Colombian writer Gabriel García Márquez said, journalism is the most beautiful profession in the world. It is a difficult profession with many challenges, but with even greater responsibility. Doctors are responsible to the individual, while you are responsible to the public interest. You have been present everywhere, always dedicated and engaged,” Begaj said.

Praising journalists’ ongoing commitment in all circumstances, he added that their dedication and presence are essential for the functioning of democracy and for strengthening public trust.

Begaj thanked media representatives for their contributions throughout the year, emphasizing that the responsibility to provide accurate and truthful information is what makes journalism a profession to be proud of.

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Begaj appreciated in a post in the social media that Albanian-American friendship is a strong and unbreakable bond.

“Albanian-American friendship – a strong and unbreakable bond, a historic and strategic alliance,” Begaj wrote.

During this week, the Head of State delivered his speech to the UN General Assembly, where he presented Albania’s stance on key issues, including international peace and security, multilateralism, sustainable development, and human rights. /gj.m/j.p/p.s./

“Present-day diplomat is not only a protocol representative of the state, but he is an architect of new relations, a builder of bridges of cooperation, a mouthpiece and person who formulates our values ​​in an increasingly complex world”, said the president.

Begaj emphasized that in their work, ambassadors also have an extraordinary ally, the Albanian nationals living abroad.

“Keep the doors of the embassy open to our compatriots. They are not just statistics, but are members of the great Albanian family. This year marked a historic step for the Albanian Diaspora by enabling them to vote for the first time from the country where they live. Make sure that our embassies are not only the center of gravity of relations between states, but also safe havens and nodes of strong ties between Albania and Albanians in the world”, said Begaj.

The president underlined that Albania does not have the luxury of having passive diplomatic representatives waiting for the routine official visits to make the diplomats.

“At a time when the world is gripped by crisis and uncertainty, diplomacy constitutes one of the most precious tools for protecting national interests”, said Begaj.

The president stressed that for Albania, proactive diplomacy is a vital necessity.

“It is our way to protect security, to influence our development and to contribute with dignity to global issues. This requires cooperation above all else. More communication, more coordination of steps is needed”, added Begaj.

Begaj said that, “Foreign policy in Albania is stronger when it speaks with one voice, when institutions vote in synchrony and when we all work for the same common goal”.

“This is the condition that strengthens the state, but also gives Albania a strong voice in the international arena”, added the president.

The head of state underlined that, “We do not see EU membership as a solitary journey because we believe in a region integrated into the EU”.

Also, Begaj asked the ambassadors to continue working in cooperation with our partners for new recognition of Kosovo and its integration into the EU and the NATO.

“The future will bring new and unforeseen challenges, but with dedication, wisdom and vision, Albania will emerge stronger, more respected and more present in the world”, said the president at the reception with the ambassadors. /r.e//a.f/p.s./

During the ceremony, there were played the anthems of Albania and Bulgaria.

Ambassador of Bulgaria to Albania Ivaylo Kirov said that, “March 3 has a great historical significance for Bulgaria. On this day in 1878, Bulgaria was liberated and gained its national sovereignty.”

Ambassador Kirov took the opportunity to reaffirm Bulgaria’s unwavering support for Ukraine.

He also highlighted the strong and growing friendship between Bulgaria and Albania.

“Tonight, we also celebrate the strong and growing friendship between Bulgaria and Albania. Our two nations share deep historical ties, common aspirations and a vision for the future based on cooperation, solidarity and mutual respect. We are connected not only by geography, but also by culture, economy and people-to-people contacts developed over the years”, he said.

Kirov stated that, “our cooperation extends to various areas – from trade and investment to education, culture and European integration”.

Kirov stressed that Bulgaria has always been a steadfast supporter of Albania’s European journey, advocating for its integration into the European Union. Ambassador Kirov also mentioned the Bulgarian national minority in Albania, which, as he put it, “serves as a living bridge between our two nations.”/a.f/r.e/p.s./

In his speech at the reception, Begaj stated that, “Kosovo’s independence is a testament of resistance, a sacred trust, a triumph of sacrifice and faith in the right of an indigenous people to live in freedom, with dignity and in a state of equality among equals”.

Begaj emphasized that Kosovo’s Independence came as a merit of the titanic efforts of a people that never surrendered to injustice and genocide.

“Today and forever we honor the architect of the independence of the Republic of Kosovo Ibrahim Rugova, the historical leader and President of Kosovo, and Adem Demaçi, we honor the legendary commander Adem Jashari and the Kosovo Liberation Army, we honor the blood of martyrs and the sacrifices for a future in freedom of thousands of people, we honor the tears and pain of mothers, we honor the signatories of independence”, said the Head of State.

“26 years ago, Kosovo issue brought together states and nations. With the support of our Euro-Atlantic allies and with the unique decisive intervention of NATO against terror, war crimes and Serbian genocide, there was opened the path to freedom, there was established the state of Kosovo, a great achievement for the Albanian nation in this century”, underlined Begaj.

“The Republic of Kosovo is increasingly contributing to peace, dialogue and coexistence. It has the strength, courage and vision to look ahead. Kosovo has proven that it not only knows how to seek, protect and respect freedom and democracy, but also to fulfill its responsibilities towards its citizens and the international community”, added Begaj.

“Albania and Kosovo, the Albanian factor in the region, is a loyal ally of the United States of America and the European Union, a dedicated ally of the Euro-Atlantic Alliance and its values ​​in the region. Albanians will forever be grateful for their support. We believe that a United Europe is our strategic and vital destination, it is a project in the service of peace, democracy, security, stability and prosperity. Albanians believe in the European Union, in the values ​​it represents, as well as in the commitment to enlargement, but the non-recognition of the state of Kosovo is an act that contradicts this commitment. We wish that these countries review their stance and, also, that the European Union lifts the sanctions unfairly imposed on the state of Kosovo”, underlined President Begaj.

“Albania will always stand by Kosovo’s side, in all its efforts and achievements. We will support and back the Republic of Kosovo anytime and anywhere, in every regional integration initiative, in international organizations, on the path towards European integration and for new recognitions”, said Begaj.

“Our citizens expect more interaction and cooperation, more tangible results and economic exchanges, more facilitation in markets and joint initiatives, less bureaucracy or misunderstandings”, added Begaj. /j.p/p.s./

In his speech, Begaj expressed his gratitude to journalists and all those who dedicate themselves to this mission.

“You are an important bridge connecting events and society, spreading the truth and bringing important information to our daily lives”, said Begaj.

According to him, the media has faced several challenges, also highlighted in the latest progress report of the European Commission.

Begaj said that Artificial Intelligence can strengthen the work of the media by opening new horizons for the transmission of information and for the analysis of data, but technology must serve society, not the other way round.

“Social media have diversified information, have given a voice to everyone, have opened up great opportunities, but also new challenges. This diversification of news has come at a high cost to its quality due to misinformation and fake news, so your role as news professionals is more important than ever. You are the ones who shed light on the truth by verifying information in an ocean of unfiltered content”, said the president.

According to him, “Facing these challenges requires cooperation between institutions, media organizations and civil society to protect press freedom, to ensure accurate information and to support the development of a sustainable, reliable and impartial media environment”.

The Head of State emphasized that, “The profession of journalist constitutes a vital mission for society. It is a guarantee for a more just society”.

The president invited the journalists, “To join forces to provide positive examples and practices of peaceful and quality communication”.

“Let us encourage and present the voice and image of citizenship, self-restraint, knowledge and understanding, all of which are necessary for a developed society and a prosperous future in our country. This is especially necessary in challenging times like our time, when conflicts and wars continue in Europe and the Middle East”.

“Your profession constitutes a vital mission for society. I hope you use this power responsibly”, Begaj underlined. /p.s./

Accompanying Ylli to the event was General Secretary Gerti Shima and Deputy Minister of Education and Sports Endrit Hoxha.

The reception was also aimed to promote the city of Istanbul that will host the 2027 European Olympic Games.

President Fidel Ylli also had a short meeting with Mayor of Istanbul Ekrem İmamoglu, as well as with the President of the European Olympic Committee Spyros Capralos. /a.f/p.s./