Prime Minister Edi Rama recalled that during a 2015 dinner with the Albanian community in Staten Island, attended also by Hashim Thaçi, the idea was first raised that later became the inaugural Diaspora Summit in Tirana.

Rama said that ten years after the first Diaspora Summit, Albania’s relationship with its emigrants has evolved from one defined largely by remittances into a broader connection involving investment, partnerships and the return of Albanians to their homeland. He noted that bridges have been built through which interests, projects and people now flow back to Albania. Rama also underlined the financial contribution of emigrants over the years, stating that around 90% of Albanian families have benefited at least once from diaspora remittances.

Rama described remittances as a vital part of the history of Albania’s diaspora, noting their role in helping families through difficult times. He stressed, however, that the relationship has moved beyond the stage where “the diaspora gave and Albania received.” Rama said the connection is now stronger, marked by partnership and development, with new institutions built to embody this evolving bond.

Prime Minister Edi Rama went on to highlight the structures established to strengthen ties with the diaspora, citing dedicated institutions, coordinating councils, agencies acting as bridges, and diaspora summits. He noted that the most recent summit produced the National Diaspora Strategy 2030, covering areas such as governance and services, dialogue and expertise, as well as economy and innovation.

He highlighted the role of diaspora institutions, coordinating councils, agencies and summits in balancing commitments and strengthening ties with emigrants. He said Albania has begun keeping a national diaspora register for those wishing to invest, describing it as “the investment window into Albania.” Rama added that the change in relations lay in mindset, before joking about a protest in New York where eggs were thrown at him, noting that one of the protesters had come from England and quipping that the police response felt “just like at home.”

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