Begaj message for November 28: Politicians should follow the example of the patriots of 1912

The President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj, during his message for November 28, Independence Day, emphasized the importance of the courage and vision of the patriots who declared the independence of Albania in 1912.

He praised the efforts to build a just and developed state, describing independence not only as a historical moment, but also as a permanent responsibility.

The President underlined the support of the USA and the EU in building democracy and strengthening Albanian institutions, the need for commitment in justice, security, economy, education and welfare.

The advantage of strengthening relations with Kosovo and its promotion in the international arena.

He invited politics and society to follow the example of the unification of the patriots of 1912, to build a fairer Albania with clear European aspirations. In the end, the President congratulated Albanians wherever they are and described Flag Day as a symbol of national pride.

Full statement:

Today, we gather to honor the memory and courage of those who more than a century ago declared and implemented the independence of the nation and the creation of the Albanian state.

In times of great geopolitical changes, such as the beginning of the 20th century, in a world when the independence of a small state seemed both unimportant and unattainable, some visionary leaders, led by Ismail Qemali, did not surrender to the circumstances, but they created their moment, our moment, the moment of the future independent state of the Albanians.

Guided by the love for the homeland and the feeling of belonging to Europe, they decided that: "Albania should be free, free and non-dependent".

On November 28, 1912, the Albanian nation triumphed after centuries of resistance.

Today and in the endless Novembers of freedom, independence and development of the Albanian state, we will remain grateful to those men and women who had the courage to change the course of history.

They laid the most important foundation stone in the country's history, becoming the architects of our independent state.

The independence announced 112 years ago was, at the same time, the realization of an early dream of a nation that would remain as such for centuries, with religious harmony and coexistence, with cultural wealth and unassimilated.

Albania's independence remains every November the new dawn of dreams and the clearest symbol of Albanian determination.

Every November is a restart and a continuation, in which we continue to resolutely build on the achievements of a country that is part of Europe and was reborn in 1912 as an independent state.

It is precisely this day and moment to thank our historical and strategic friend and ally, the United States of America, for the support it has given to the Albanian nation from the declaration of independence of Albania to the independence of Kosovo.

We are grateful to the United States, the European Union and other partners for their unsparing support for the construction and consolidation of democracy and the rule of law, as well as the strengthening of Albanian institutions, especially those of justice.

Dear friends and guests,

Albanians are inheritors of the trust for independence and the promise of a just and developed Albania.

Independence remains responsibility.

Our unwavering commitment to a society of equal opportunity and the rule of law continues.

For each of us, it is time for irreversible commitments, for the benefit of Albania's development and prosperity.

Today, the challenge is not only border protection, but also security, justice, economy, education, health, technology, demography, care for the environment and above all, the well-being of our citizens.

All require commitment and clarity for the model of social and economic development.

Our independence is measured by the quality of life of our citizens, by the opportunities we create for our youth and by our determination to improve today and create a vision for a promising tomorrow for the country.

ladies and gentlemen,

Patriotic patriots 1912 years ago showed courage and vision.

They left behind divisions for a great goal and mission: independent Albania.

Today, more than ever, politics must follow their lead.

The political class must be in an open dialogue with the people, listen to their concerns, needs and dreams.

Turn your eyes to those you represent!

The upcoming elections should be an example of a new page, where the interest of the citizen and public service to him is placed above everything else.

This is the way to honor those who declared independence and to build an Albania that deserves its place in Europe.

Opening chapters with the European Union is more than a technical process, it is a test of our national maturity.

This process requires us to strengthen institutions, support justice and SPAK, improve the quality of life of our citizens and build an Albania worthy of Albanians and the European family.

It is time to come together and move towards the ever more tangible European dream.

Dear Excellency,

Dear friends and guests,

Today's world is facing great challenges.

Part of them are the wars and conflicts present on the borders of Eastern Europe, in the Middle East, and not only.

In a troubled world, our role is no longer that of a small country that follows these developments, but one that contributes and inspires.

We are loyal to our Euro-Atlantic affiliation and the values ??it represents and we will remain irrevocably committed to Albania continuing to be an active contributor to peace, stability and dialogue in our region and beyond.

With clarity in the values ??we defend and united in the alliances of democratic peoples, the challenges are not insurmountable.

112 years ago, our forefathers crossed them to give us the independence we enjoy today.

We have our challenges, but we also have the strength, wisdom and maturity to face them.

Dear friends and guests!

Albania is more than its borders.

Albania is its citizens, who live in every corner of the globe and transmit our values ??and culture.

They are already factors in social, cultural and political life, wherever they are.

We as a nation, our two states, Albania and Kosovo, must be aware of this power we have and use it in the service of alliances that strengthen our role in the international arena.

Kosovo has had, has and will always have the support of Albania.

It will have constant support for new recognition and membership in international organizations, as well as the achievement of common objectives, including EU membership.

The Republic of Kosovo is a reality that does not change and a factor of peace in the region.

ladies and gentlemen,

From our journey to independence to our journey to Europe, today is the time to honor the past, celebrate the present and responsibly engage with the future.

On November 28, on this blessed day, I wish every Albanian success and further achievements on the sustainable European path of well-being.

Congratulations and Happy Flag Day, Independence Day of our peaceful, free, hospitable and generous country!

May God bless Albania and Albanians!