President Begaj on Arbëresh Day: The unique example of the Arbëresh inspires us to do more for Albania
The President of the Republic of Albania, H.E. Mr. Bajram Begaj, participated today in the Arbëresh Assembly held in Tirana as part of the Diaspora Summit. In his speech, the Head of State emphasized the need for a new chapter of cooperation between Albania and the Arbëresh of Italy.
“I believe we have all the opportunities to write a new chapter in our relations with the Arbëresh. Our historical responsibility and action must be immediate as the consequences will also affect future generations. It should focus on preserving Arbërisht and its cultivation by new generations,” stated the President, highlighting the urgent need for engagement in preserving and developing Arbërisht, a language that is an identity matter for Albanians.
The Head of State stressed the importance of a comprehensive platform for specific projects serving to strengthen our national identity and the preservation and transmission of our cultural heritage across generations. He also appreciated the establishment of the Center for Studies and Publications for the Arbëresh and called for mechanisms to expand Albanian studies.
He also appreciated the establishment of the Center for Studies and Publications for the Arbëresh and called for mechanisms to expand Albanian studies.
The President commended initiatives to include Arbërisht in schools, in Rai Calabria’s programs, and the Albanian Public Radio-Television’s initiative to launch a television channel for the Diaspora, which will certainly promote Arbëresh language and culture.
“A structured relationship should involve all stakeholders in Albania and Italy, such as academic institutions, civil society, local and central government bodies, and actors of the Arbëresh’s daily cultural life, as the challenges require cooperation and coordination,” he stated. President Begaj congratulated Professors Francesco Altimari and Matteo Mandala for their dedication in compiling the “Moti i Madh” dossier, submitted for UNESCO application.
“Of course, within the framework of cooperation, economic collaboration should not be overlooked, which can and should be expanded in areas such as tourism, culture, agriculture, food industry, and other mutually interesting fields.”
As part of the new cooperation, the President proposed the opening of a museum for the Arbëresh in Albania. During his speech, President Begaj shared impressions from his official visit to Calabria, mentioning the community’s virtues like hospitality, patriotism, and tradition preservation, evident in all Arbëresh settlements.
He invited Albanians to visit the Arbëresh during their trips to Italy and proposed that Albanian schools include visits to Arbëresh settlements in their curriculum for the education of the new generation about the heritage and building personal connections with the Arbëresh.