President of the Republic, H.E. Bajram Begaj delivers New Year’s Speech
Dear sisters and brothers of the same blood, language, homeland and nation,
These are the last hours of 2022, so let me wish a happy and prosperous new year to you and your loved ones! Health and prosperity to all Albanians in Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, the Presheva Valley, the Arbëresh, and all Albanians throughout the world.
During these past months, I have tried to be close to you, to meet with you and listen attentively. In Kukës or Delvina, Shkodër or Elbasan, wherever I have been, citizens of all ages have shared with me their daily concerns and difficulties they are facing.
I have done and will continue to do my duty, that the voice of every Albanian citizen, your voice is heard. No one should feel left out, abandoned, ignored in his right to compete with anyone, anywhere.
While we were still recovering from the earthquake and the pandemics crisis, another event would occur this year: the unjustified Russian aggression against Ukraine. We had to face great challenges, which tested our solidarity, human solidarity and the power of unity.
Dear Albanians in our region,
We must be aware of our irreplaceable role as a factor of stability and security in the region we live in. The grave and intolerable situation created in the North of Kosovo must end. Provocations and the language of threats is not the language to be spoken, only dialogue and respect for the integrity of the Republic of Kosovo are ways that help the solution to the problems.
Albania will continue to support Kosovo on its Euro-Atlantic integration path, and its membership, as soon as possible, in the NATO and the European Union.
In these conditions of global uncertainty, various challenges, from economic ones, health and climate ones, it is easy to fall into pessimism, and fail to find the necessary impetus to give the best, to lose faith that things will get better.
In my meetings, Albanians have not just shared the obstacles of everyday life, but also their expectations, desires and dreams. They have shared inspiring stories of solidarity, voluntary contribution and extraordinary success stories.
I avail of this opportunity to thank all Albanians who work to make this country better, for a better future for their families and their country.
Profound gratitude to health professionals, for their humanity and dedication demonstrated in these difficult times. Our thankfulness to teachers and education professionals, who have committed to one of the most sublime missions of human society, that of imparting knowledge; our acknowledgement to the Armed Forces, law enforcement and medical emergency professionals, firefighters and all the silent heroes who are willing to risk their lives for the sake of saving other people’s lives.
Thanks to journalists and the media, an important pillar for a functioning democracy; for all justice professionals who work with honesty and dedication. Justice of the highest standards is not and should not be seen as a privilege, but as an indispensable right.
I thank all those who invest in and contribute to agriculture, industry, tourism, innovation, and the growth of the Albanian economy. Gratitude to all the artists, who through their art and culture remain the soul of our nation.
Respect for all those who have contributed to this year’s historic successes, such as the official opening of EU accession negotiations, Albania’s active participation in the UN Security Council, the increase of our country’s geopolitical role, the inclusion of the Albanian Xhubleta in the world’s intangible cultural heritage, under the protection of UNESCO.
I thank all the Albanians who have enthused us with their successes, like Luiza Gega and numerous other Albanians, who honour Albania wherever they live and work, in all spheres of human life, art, sport, culture and science.
Gratitude to the diaspora, which despite being scattered to all corners of the world, follows with attention and concern everything that happens in their motherland, offering its significant contribution to the further economic, social and cultural development of the country. I consider the vote of the diaspora as a fundamental and essential right.
The coming year will be an election year, so all actors and institutions must guarantee a smooth election process, meeting the highest democratic standards. A conflictual approach, the language of hatred and party grudges, fragmentation of political energies, opposition of words and not of solutions, must remain things of the past.
It is time to understand that our war is not against each other, but against poverty, corruption, crime and an insecure future, which does not allow for a better future, built on our lands, which would put an end to the abandonment of our homeland. All political parties must rediscover the spirit of dialogue and cooperation, viewing each other as representatives of different convictions, yet with the same common goal: the progress of Albania!
A special wish for our children. The world of dreams, the world of goodness and peace belongs to them, more than to anyone else. Let’s stand by the youth, give them courage, support and hope so that they can envision their future in our country. Let us bequeath them a better, more prosperous, and fair Albania, the EU member Albania.
In these moments, families sit together to celebrate the end of the year, finding happiness in the warmth of holiday traditions. In Albania, we are lucky to have preserved family and human relationships, which serve as shields against the daily difficulties and waves of life. Our families are the warm shelter, where we find the daily motivation to give our best, while receiving the best from them.
In these the moments of the turn of the year, while in the presence of your loved ones, do not refrain from expressing your love to them, the gratitude for being by your side and for everything else they have done for you.
Dear compatriots,
If working in an office or tilling the land, studying or teaching, healing the sick or helping the elderly, excavating cultural heritage or creating works of art, when voting, whatever we are doing, please keep in mind that we are serving our families, our country and our nation, at the same time: Our dear Albania.
Cheers!
Best wishes for the New Year 2023!