President Begaj Awarded “Honorary Citizen” of Gjilan
President of the Republic, H.E. Mr. Bajram Begaj, was proclaimed “Honorary Citizen” of Gjilan today.
During a special ceremony held at the Municipal Assembly, attended by members including the Mayor of Gjilan, Alban Hyseni, and the Head of the Municipal Assembly, Kushtrim Kadriu, the President expressed gratitude for this honor. In his acceptance speech, President Begaj stated that he humbly accepts the title of Honor of Gjilan, a city known for its tradition, history, sacrifice, and resilience.
“This title,” remarked the President, “belongs to all Albanians who, during the most difficult moments in Kosovo’s history, stood by you, as an integral part of our common trunk.
Recalling the historic figures of Gjilan such as Idriz Seferi, Kadri Zeka, Rexhep Mala, Nuhi Berisha, Agim Ramadani, and Rrahim Beqiri, who fought for freedom, President Begaj noted, “Today, as I saw on my way here, this city is vibrant with life, hope, and young people ready to build a better future, fully aware of the sacrifices required for freedom, and that this freedom has not been in vain.”
The President pledged that, as has always been the case throughout history, Albania has been and will always be close to Kosovo, and together they should look towards a future path of European integration:
“We will always stand by each other, even in times of peace, because peace, to be safeguarded, requires something even more difficult: wise minds, clear vision, and courage to build a better future for our nation. Today, we have an opportunity that many generations before us could not even dream of. Two states, one nation, one language, one blood. It is our DNA. This is a great privilege, but it is also an extraordinary responsibility.”
President Begaj emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation among Albanians on both sides of the border and relevant institutions to build a unified economy, share best practices, and rise together as Albanians.
“We must know how to use this opportunity,” said the President, “to strengthen each other, to build a unified economy, to share the best experiences together and, of course, to rise together as Albanians. This opportunity must be turned into concrete cooperation, cooperation in economics, education, diplomacy, in a common market, in common policies that help our citizens develop and live better.”
During his stay in Gjilan, the President held a meeting with local leaders, representatives from all political parties in the city’s Assembly.
The President also paid homage and observed a minute of silence at the city’s Martyrs’ Cemetery, accompanied by families and associations of those who fell for freedom.