A Welcome Message from the President of the Republic, H.E. Bajram Begaj, at the International Congress of the Order of the Veterinarians, Tirana, March 1, 2025
Dear veterinarians, professors, and researchers,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am delighted to address you at the First International Congress of Veterinary Medicine, organized by Albania’s Professional Order of Veterinarians. The topics scheduled for discussion, pertaining to veterinary medicine and the challenges of livestock farming in Albania, are of significant importance to health and food safety.
This opportunity and the continuous effort to strengthen such a vital sector deserve recognition and support. Livestock farming has traditionally been an important sector in our country; however, in recent decades, greater attention should have been paid to it as farmers encounter numerous challenges.
On the other hand, food safety is often overlooked, even though it is vital for everyone’s health.
Another concern is the inadequate infrastructure and lack of investments. The main issue lies in the absence of efforts to promote a lifestyle that values rural areas and nature. Over the years, the culture of small farms has been declining. Young people no longer see a future in agriculture and livestock farming, leading them to leave the countryside, which they perceive as a place with limited opportunities. When villages are emptied and abandoned, the chain that supports an entire economy and its traditions is also broken.
Therefore, clear policies must be implemented to make livestock farming a priority, sustainable, and attractive sector for young people. This requires a long-term strategy that encompasses:
Investments in the standardisation of livestock products to promote safety, quality, and exports;
Strengthening veterinary institutions to ensure that allproducts entering the market meet the necessary safety standards for consumption;
Education and promotion of the livestock and modern agriculture sector to make it a real opportunity for young people.
Dear participants,
The role of veterinarians is key to ensuring food safety, as they directly affect the quality of the products we consume and contribute to public health and the economic stability of a country. A strong veterinary system is a vital assurance for a healthy society. This system operates not in isolation but as part of an interconnected ecosystem encompassing farmers, the government, control laboratories, traders, and consumers.
We must embrace a collective commitment to guarantee that our products are safe and of the highest quality.
We cannot have a strong economy without a healthy livestock sector, we cannot have a strong society without a well-functioning food safety system, and we cannot have food safety without a strong and well-supported veterinary system.
The future is shaped not merely by words but by our decisions and actions. Today presents a valuable opportunity to choose the right path where we care for the well-being of our rural communities, farmers, veterinarians, consumers, and the entire life chain.
I wish you all successful outcomes in your proceedings!
Thank you!