Attending the reception held at the venues of the Opera and Ballet House in Tirana were President of Albania Bajram Begaj, ministers of the government cabinet, such as the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Igli Hasani, Minister of Justice Ulsi Manja, Minister of Tourism and the Environment Mirela Kumbaro, Minister of Culture Elva Margariti as well as ambassadors from different countries.

During the ceremony, there was read the message of the President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for this occasion.

The ambassador of Turkey in Tirana Tayyar Kağan Atay said that the Republic of Turkey experienced the transformation into a modern republic and a leading economy despite being located in a challenging geographic position where conflicts dominate near its borders.

“Despite the challenges during this 100-year period, we are a capable member of the NATO and a candidate country in the EU that contributes to peace, stability and prosperity in our region and beyond,” said Ambassador Atay.

Atay emphasized that after the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey, Albania was one of the first countries with which the new Republic established diplomatic relations. “The year 2023 also marks the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkey and Albania. Our history produced two friendly nations, two allies and two candidate countries in the EU, both of which are contributors to maintaining the fragile peace in our region,” said the Turkish ambassador.

He said that Albania and the Albanian people deserve the best of everything and added that “we are happy to see their healthy progress in the EU membership process”.

Part of the ceremony was also the musical performance of the Symphony Orchestra of the National Opera and Ballet Theater of Albania, with some pieces by Albanian and Turkish composers. There were also exhibited photographs and documents on Turkey-Albania relations.

The Republic Day of Turkey is celebrated on October 29, to commemorate the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey in 1923. Being one of the biggest national holidays, it is marked with a variety of activities inside and outside Turkey. /r.e/p.s./

“On this marked day for your country, I appreciate with great pleasure that the strategic relations of partnership between our two countries have entered a new and very dynamic phase, not only in political dialogue, but also in every field of bilateral cooperation “, Begaj wrote in his message.

President Begaj expressed full confidence in the excellent future of relations between the two countries, which also mark the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year – and is first of all an expression of joint commitment.

The president emphasized that, “The Republic of Albania and the Albanian people positively assess the personal contribution of Erdogan and the Republic of Turkey for their continued and worthy support”. /p.s./

Answering the question of journalists regarding election of the President of the Republic at the press conference to present the results of the National Consultation, Rama said that, “I am personally against a president to be elected by the people in a republic like ours because it is not in the nature of our Republic. If we are to elect a president from the people, then we must give the president more power.”

“For the time being, it is normal that everyone is a little confused by the figure and role of the actual President. But, the role of the President in this Republic, in Italy or Greece, or in republics with a similar constitution is such that it makes it incomprehensible why it should be elected by the people”, underlined Rama./k.s/j.p/p.s./