President Begaj’s Address on the Occasion of Receiving the Albanian Diplomatic Corps
Honorable Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs,
Distinguished ambassadors and consuls general,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Honored guests,
It is a genuine pleasure to be among you today at this gathering of our representatives abroad and at international institutions. This reception offers an excellent opportunity for dialogue on vital issues concerning Albania’s diplomacy and foreign policy.
Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude for your tireless dedication and work in representing Albania with honor and dignity. Through your efforts, we have strengthened our position on the international stage and promoted our national interests more effectively. I seize this opportunity to thank all the ambassadors with whom I have closely cooperated during my visits abroad.
Today’s meeting occurs within the framework of your ambassadors’ conference. From what I have been informed, the sessions have been productive, and I believe you have envisioned a future that meets not only our country’s expectations but also those of the times we live in.
I mention this because, in just a few years, the world has undergone fundamental changes. Recall when globalization dominated our discussions. Multilateral relations formed the foundation of international affairs, and information technology significantly eased our tasks. People communicated more effortlessly, and social media became a key tool for their interconnection. The most substantial investments were primarily in technology, trade, and entrepreneurship. The world was so interconnected that diplomacy had to reinvent itself. Otherwise, traditional diplomats risked becoming relics. Few anticipated the changes that would follow.
Until recently, the global stage, once unified, is now experiencing the reemergence of the once-forgotten Iron Curtain. Multilateralism has been continuously undermined. Globalization has fractured under the pressure of regional forces. Technology revealed its darker side as it began to be used for adverse purposes, such as spreading misinformation and influencing democratic elections. Moreover, pressing issues like social inequality, cybersecurity, depopulation, climate change, and the advent of artificial intelligence have complicated finding solutions.
Russia’s aggression against Ukraine changed everything. War returned to Europe for the first time since 1945. Likewise, in the Middle East, after a relatively calm period, the Israel-Hamas conflict reactivated, seriously risking broader escalation.
Meanwhile, global investments in the security sector have significantly increased. (In developed European countries, plans have started for the revival of mandatory military service, even preparing the population for possible warfare.) Geopolitics returned to the forefront, and with it, the irreplaceable role of diplomacy and diplomats, because wars are fought by soldiers, but peace is made by diplomats.
Your role as diplomats ties to your expertise. In the modern world, many actors engage in foreign policy, but only you practice diplomacy. Use this advantage wisely!
In a world flourishing with fake news or entirely alternate realities, accessing reliable, expertly crafted information from professionals like you is a golden opportunity. You are the ones who can accurately read and deeply analyze situations. A professional diplomat relies on facts, analysis, and cool logic.
Naturally, interpreting realities requires professional capabilities that extend beyond your daily professional routine. Continuously updating your professional skills is essential for a diplomat.
The significant technological developments of our era are another topic I wanted to address. In recent years, we have witnessed the radical digitalization of the world, but online interaction will never replace the uniqueness of interpersonal relationships. Therefore, it is crucial that, alongside exercising your digital capabilities, you do not forget the human element in your contacts.
Today, it is challenging to be a proactive diplomat, modern in technology, but traditional in persistence to achieve strategic objectives in service of the national interest.
The risk from professional inertia or lethargy is real and harmful, not just for you professionally but also for the country. This is a profession that demands zeal, commitment, and, above all, a love for the profession, Albania, and its people.
Albania is no longer the country it was 30 years ago. Albania enjoys prestige and a deserved place on the international stage. Our country demonstrated maturity during our chairmanship of the OSCE and during our tenure on the UN Security Council. Jointly maintaining our alliance with our strategic partner, the USA, on Ukraine for peace and security issues, was the culmination of the maturation of our foreign policy.
I am confident that based on these achievements, our diplomacy will be able to keep pace with our foreign policy. Build on previous successes!
International developments are numerous and varied, and they directly or peripherally affect us. The situation of peace and security, whether regional or global, remains fluid, but our national interests, strategic partnerships, role as a NATO member, or goal of EU membership remain unchanged, as the main pillars of our foreign policy and diplomatic action.
The Western Balkans region, where Albanians have a strong voice and decision-making role, remains the socio-economic-political reality where Albanian diplomacy must assert itself with all possible strength and compelling arguments to guarantee the Euro-Atlantic future of this part of Albania.
I want to emphasize particularly the active role our diplomacy must continue to play in relation to Kosovo. Kosovo should not remain a repeated talking point but should be an integral part of our diplomatic action.
Our diplomacy must continue unconditional support for Kosovo. Kosovo must be supported whenever and wherever, in any circumstance or situation. It is our duty to work for Kosovo’s membership in international and regional organizations and for further recognitions.
Lastly, but not least, I want to touch on another aspect of your work: services to citizens. Stay close to Albanians wherever they are! There is no more unacceptable phenomenon than an embassy or consulate that is not fully and permanently at the service of its citizens. As a people now mostly residing and working outside the country, your services must always remain accessible to our citizens.
Distinguished ambassadors,
In conclusion, I want to express my belief that only through inter-institutional cooperation will we achieve the successes we desire.
I expect from you an active role in suggesting spaces for diplomatic action, as I expect real and direct communication and information about developments in the countries or regions you cover. I am committed to supporting your work and providing the necessary assistance to meet the challenges we face.
I am confident that even under the direction of Minister Hasani, you will continue to work with responsibility and patriotism for Albania and Albanians everywhere.
Thank you!