FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
President Bajram Begaj paid an official visit to the Arbëresh municipalities of the Molise Region in Italy, where he was received with high state honors by the highest representatives of the local institutions of this region.
"It is a pleasure to meet with the high authorities of the Molise Region", declared President Begaj, sharing the assessment that every meeting with Italian authorities carries this spirit of friendship that characterizes the relations between Albania and Italy and the excellent bilateral cooperation in all areas: politics, economy, culture, education, health, and others. A special contribution to the continuous strengthening of historical, cultural and human ties between the two countries has been made by the Arbëresh communities and the new Albanian Diaspora.
The Head of State emphasized that "Albania-Italy-Arbëria" is a project that strengthens the strategic partnership between our two countries and promotes new cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
In the Arbëresh commune of Ururi, President Begaj participated in the inauguration ceremony of the statue of the National Hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, an eternal symbol of our national unity and pride.
In his speech, the Head of State praised the spiritual unity between Albanians and Arbëresh, emphasizing that "Skënderbeg was not only a warrior, but also a visionary and unifier, the forerunner of European Albania, which has always remained connected to Western civilization. Today, he speaks to us through the spirit of unity and national awareness that he left us as a legacy", declared President Begaj.
In the Arbëresh municipality of Portocanone, President Begaj visited "Skanderbeg" Square, where Arbëresh and Albanians who emigrated after the '90s live.
In his speech to participants in a welcome gathering from the Arbëresh community living in this municipality, President Begaj saluted their centuries-old efforts to preserve the language, customs, costumes and traditions of their ancestors, and praised the honor that the Arbëresh people pay to the ambassadors of national culture, the prominent artists who made the name Albania known and mentioned with sympathy and appreciation.
"It is a special feeling to be here today, in Portkanun, a place that holds within itself the history, memory and living spirit of Arbëria. In this square, where the words Albanian and Italian mix with love, one feels strongly what neither time nor the sea can separate: one language, one origin, one blood", - said President Begaj.
During his stay in Portocanone, President Begaj participated in the installation of a sculpture of the great Albanian artist, Ibrahim Kodra, who was educated, lived and practiced his art in Italy, where he visited and was welcomed in almost all Arbëreshë municipalities and villages.
"Kodra belonged to Albania, but he spoke the language of the world. He proved that talent knows no boundaries, that identity is not lost when it transforms into a universal spirit. Today, remembering Ibrahim Kodra, we remember the power of the Albanian spirit to illuminate everywhere, we remember that art is the most beautiful bridge that can build a nation", - emphasized President Begaj.
As in every Arbëresh municipality, in the Montecilfone Municipality, the President was welcomed by representatives of the Arbëresh community and by Albanian compatriots who emigrated to this area after the '90s.
The President also expressed his appreciation and respect for the generational efforts of this community to preserve the Arbër cultural and linguistic identity, mentioning the Study Center for Linguistic Diversity and the magazine "Kamastra" as examples of the valuable work of local researchers to continue in the path of the illustrious Arbër historical figures.
"Only by sharing what we have most beautiful: language, culture and memory, do we make our common identity stronger. Thank you, Montecilfone, for your hospitality, for your love for our roots and for the proof that Albania lives in the language, in the soul and in the heart of every Albanian!" - said President Begaj.
President Begaj also visited the Municipality of Campo Marina, where he emphasized that the contribution of the Arbëresh communities in preserving and respecting the strong identity characteristics and individuality that the Arbëresh communities have carried for centuries simultaneously serves to strengthen the bonds of friendship between the country that hosted and integrated them, Italy, and the land of their ancestors, Albania, "values that are the foundation on which the permanent friendship between our two peoples is strengthened."
Më pelqen shum kjo marrdhënje e bukur në mes Shqipris arrbereshve dhe italis. Dhe arbereshve ju uroj nga zëmra çdo te mir nga zoti qe keta i kan mbajtur rrënjet e forta që është Shqipris dhe e kan mbajt me gjuh kultur dhe identitet me krejnari ????brravo zoti u bekoft që të gjithve????