Begaj urges visa liberalisation for Kosovo

In his address to those present, Begaj made sure to mention Albania's 110-year history.

November “28, the date you do together, with thoughts and hearts, every Albanian and every friend of Albanians. This date is the incarnation of the sacrifice, blood and the invaluable contribution of our natives and national heroes. The flag we honor today is our own story; A history of the most basic sacrifices to protect, at any cost, at any time, our homeland, our language, and our national identity. Today we celebrate 110 years from the day, when patriots and delegates from all Albanian trains, with national and historical responsibilities, unanimously baptized the new Albanian state, the country we have today. They had different religions and backgrounds, but all shared the same vision for Albania: vision of a free, independent and democratic state. And I share, those great Albanian men and families have our eternal honor and gratitude. Our path to building the rule of law and functional democracy is a road without return, just as our commitment to peace and dialogue”, Begaj said.

He cited Albania's achievements over the years, such as NATO membership, UN representation, as a non-permanent member of the Security Council and engaged in global forums.

Likewise, Begaj said our <x0W is proud of the strategic friendship and alliance with the US, European Union countries, the United Kingdom and all the friendly and allied countries in the world”.

The start of negotiations for membership in the European Union, according to the head of the Albanian state, is a historic achievement, recognising the years-long dedication of Albanian institutions.

Albania, after a historical assessment, will welcome European leaders to the EU-Western Balkans Summit. It is an encouraging message for the European future of Albanians in Albania and in all countries of the region. Though divided into several states, the Albanian factor in Albania, Kosovo, northern Macedonia, Montenegro, the Presevo Valley and the diaspora has been, and will be united, in support of our common destination in the Euro-Atlantic family. The nationwide vision of being part of the European family should be promise and impetus for constructive, political and parliamentary co-operation, continuation of reforms and improved citizens' lives”, he said.

Albania, he said, has condemned without hesitation Russia's illegal aggression over Ukraine and the war, which follows to cause numerous consequences for all countries.

Meanwhile, he said Albania and all Albanians should work on increasing the number of recognitions of Kosovo's citizenship, but also on visa liberalisation for its citizens.

“Changing regional, European and global security contexts, economic crisis, energy, cyberattacks have highlighted the increased need for constructive, political and parliamentary co-operation, national security issues and close co-ordination with our allies. This co-operation is also needed for the glorification of Kosovo, as an irreversible reality. We need to further contribute to the recognition of the state of Kosovo, visa liberalisation for its citizens, as well as to continue to support the progress of political dialogue with Serbia”, Albanian head of state Bajram Begaj added.

At the end of his speech, the Albanian president said that “the history of Albanians is a story that makes us proud” and that “it is the story of a nation that does not compromise with anything and anyone that violates our national freedom, dignity and integrity”.

<x0Ismail Kemali and Isa Boletini, as two central figures of unlimited homeland, remind us today and every day of the message of national unity, of the Albanian heart, beating the same as in South and North, both in Vlora and Pristina. Each of us here is given the opportunity to leave his mark on our history and to magnify the values over which our nation was built. Today, above all, must be a day of reflection for us, for our mission, and for the legacy we leave behind. Let's all think about it. Heartfelt thanks and the warmest wishes for all Albanians, Arbeers and our friends everywhere! Happy 110th anniversary of Independence”, Albanian President Bajram Begaj concluded his speech.