SPEECH BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC, H.E. BAJRAM BEGAJ, AT THE 12THBAKU GLOBAL FORUM BAKU

It is truly an honor to be among you today as we reaffirm the importance of the multilateral dialogue as an inclusive mechanism.

Nowadays, the motto “Turning challenges into opportunities” is not just a goal but a necessity.

The Nizami Ganjavi  Global Baku Forum is an important forum that delivers messages of hope in a world of increasing uncertainty.

The world we once recognized before the pandemic, before the onset of armed conflicts in some parts of the globe is no longer the same, leading us toward the unknown.

Crises have increased, and the foundations of global stability seem to be increasingly fragile.

Conflicts in various forms and different regions continue, while the shadows of the past seem to dominate the present.

The world today is facing not just a political crisis or an economic downturn.

Today, the world stands at a crossroads indefending the values we cherish.

Freedom, democracy, human dignity, justice, and security are being tested.

They are being tested by conflicts, hybrid threats, organized crime, immigration, misinformation, and the temptation to impose force and instill fears.

When fear prevails over courage, when division replaces unity, and when the use of force attempts to obstruct justice, then civilization and society fail.

Moments of crisis often bring both challenges and new opportunities.

The challenges to the international order, the attack on Ukraine, and other conflicts have significantly undermined security.

In a world defined by continental and global interaction, the need to restore peace is essential, but more important remains to safeguard borders and preserve state sovereignty.

National challenges for addressing organized crime and hybrid threats are difficult to overcome when no active and continuous regional and international cooperation exists.

The wave of illegal immigration toward Europe has highlighted that border control is no longer sufficient if the cause is not addressed and the entire mechanism is not prevented.

The experience of  managing the COVID-19 pandemic taught us that the most effective solution remains the unified response mechanism, as well as long-term investment in science and technology.

We must embrace, support, and promote technological developments and artificial intelligence.

These innovations are tools for empowering individuals, communities, and nations, not for hindering their development.

Despite the rapid technological development that has already permeated every cell of our lives, we must remain true to our values.

Today’s world, the most technologically advanced and interconnected in history, was not built in easy times. It was shaped through challenges.

We need courage and a clear vision for ensuring peace, security, economic growth, and implementimg  policies that truly change the lives of our citizens.

We need a global order where economies are sustainable, where conflicts are resolved rather than left unresolved, where societies are strengthened not by division but by our solidarity, and where peace is built and consolidated on the solid foundations of trust and cooperation.

To ensure a livable world tomorrow, we need sustainability in the present.

The experience of my country is proof of a difficult and challenging journey.

Albania has gone through a challenging journey: from totalitarianism to democracy, from insecurity to NATO membership, from a closed economy to a free market economy, and from an isolated country to 10 million tourists per year and  an aspiring candidate for the European Union.

Albania has chosen democracy and strongly believes in its values.

Albania has embraced a partnership with the United States of America because it strongly believes in Euro-Atlantic values.

It has chosen the European Union and believes in this significant initiative for ensuring peace, security, and prosperity.

Contemporary Albania has managed to unite the energy of Albanians both within and outside the country to transform challenges into opportunities.

With their ideas, aspirations, and ambitions, the younger generation has been and remains crucial for their realization.

Albania strongly believes in the power of cooperation and dialogue, recognizing the new opportunities they bring.

We believe that nothing can be achieved without peace and security.

Therefore, we are committed to ensuring dialogue and democratic stability within our region and beyond.

In closing my speech, I would like to mention the friendship between Albania and Azerbaijan.

Our longstanding friendship is reflected in our mutual cooperation, particularly in the economy and infrastructure.

I remain committed to continuing and strengthening this friendly relationship for the benefit of our people, enabling us to build the future together with our citizens, neighbors, andpartners, regardless of geographic proximity.

I thank this forum for being an excellent platform for dialogue centered on peace, security, and development!