Statement of the President of the Republic, H.E. Mr. Bajram Begaj, at the official reception celebrating the Flag Day and 110th Anniversary of the Independence of Albania, in Tirana
Dear friends and guests,
November 28th is the date that brings together, in thoughts and hearts, every Albanian and every friend of the Albanian people.
This date is the very epitome of the priceless sacrifices, blood and contribution of innumerable national patriots and heroes. The flag, we honour today, is our very history – a history of the most sublime sacrifices to safeguard, at any costs and at all times, our fatherland, language and national identity.
We celebrate the 110th anniversary of the day when patriots and delegates from all Albanian regions, brimful of national and historical responsibility, unanimously baptized the new Albanian state, the homeland we cherish today.
They were of different religions and education, yet they all shared the same vision for Albania: the vision of a free, independent and democratic country.
We will bear our eternal honour and gratitude to those great Albanian men and families.
Our road to building the rule of law and functional democracy is a road of no return, as is our commitment to peace and dialogue.
Albania, today, is a worthy member of NATO, the most successful alliance in history, actively participating in missions, in support of peace and stability in the region and the world.
Our country’s participation at the UN, as a non-permanent member of the Security Council and its engagement in global forums is commendable. Albania has demonstrated that it is a supporter of democratic values, good neighbourliness, and an open door for friends and people in need.
Our country is proud of the friendship and strategic alliance with the USA, EU, UK and all friendly countries and allies in the world.
We are grateful for their support!
The start of EU negotiations is a momentous achievement, recognizing the commitment of Albanian institutions over the years. As a historic token of acknowledgement, Albania will welcome European leaders participating in the upcoming EU-Western Balkans Summit.
This is a message of encouragement for the European future of Albanians in Albania and in all countries of the region.
Although divided in several states, the Albanian factor in Albania, Kosova, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Presheva Valley and the diaspora, has been, is and will continue to be united in supporting our common destination in the Euro-Atlantic family.
The nationwide vision to be part of the European family should be the premise and impetus for constructive, political and parliamentary cooperation to continue reforms and improve the lives of our citizens.
Citizens need to see that the justice reform has established credible and accountable institutions, which guarantee their right to justice and equality before the law.
Younger generations need to see a clear future for development, functional democracy, space for their ideas and optimism to build their future here.
The diaspora should enjoy the right to vote and be supported with programs that encourage their involvement, expertise and investment.
The upcoming local elections are an opportunity to demonstrate cooperation, political and institutional responsibility for free and democratic elections.
As the President of the Republic, in the interest of the nation and our common future, I invite all political and institutional actors, the civil society, the media and every Albanian, to commit ourselves to the vision of the Albania of the next generation, the country destined to be a member of the European Union.
A difficult year is coming to an end.
Unhesitatingly, Albania has condemned Russia’s unjustifiable aggression against Ukraine and the war that continues to cause multiple consequences to all other countries.
Changes in the regional, European and global security context, the economic and energy crisis, cyberattacks, have all highlighted the increased need for constructive political and parliamentary cooperation on national security issues and close coordination with our allies.
Such cooperation is, also, necessary to uphold Kosova as an irreversible reality. We need to further our efforts in promoting recognition of the state of Kosova, the visa liberalisation for its citizens and continue to support the advancement of the political dialogue with Serbia.
Dear compatriots,
The history of Albanians is a history that makes us all proud. It is the history of a nation for Freedom and Dignity.
Ismail Qemali and Isa Boletini, two prominent figures of boundless love of the fatherland, daily remind us of the significance of national unity, of the Albanian heart that beats equally in the South and the North, in Vlora, just as in Prishtina.
We are all given the opportunity to leave our mark on our country’s history and enrich the values, our nation was built upon.
Above all else, today is a day of contemplation for us, on our mission and the legacy we will leave behind. Let us all ponder upon this.
My most cordial thanks and warmest wishes to all Albanians, the Arbëreshë and our friends, wherever they are!
Happy 28th of November!
