Begaj is expected by his counterpart Mattarella in Italy, the president comes out with a strong call: To close as soon as possible...

President Bajram Begaj, accompanied by the First Lady Armanda Begaj, started today a two-day official visit to Italy where he was received with special honors by the President of the Republic of Italy, Sergio Mattarella. This is the first visit of President Begaj to one of the countries of Western Europe, but also a confirmation of a very good political dialogue at the highest levels between the two countries. After the ceremonies, President Begaj and President Mattarella held a one-on-one conversation and then led the official delegations in an extended meeting.
 
During the extended meeting between the two delegations, President Begaj appreciated the historical and traditionally friendly relations between the two countries, the solidarity and the situation next to each other in the most difficult and delicate moments, in most of the history of the two peoples. President Begaj expressed his gratitude for the will of the Italian side to complete the procedures of the agreement on social security and expressed the belief that this agreement will become effective very soon, to help both Albanians and Italians who live and work in both countries respectively. 
 
President Begaj expressed his condolences for the lost lives and regrets for the great damage caused by the floods during the last few days in the region of Emilia Romagna, as well as assured President Mattarella of the solidarity of Albania and the Albanians with the Italian people in these moments. In particular, the Head of State appreciated the role and support of Italy after the democratic changes over three decades ago.
 
Expressing gratitude for the multidimensional economic-social support through development and aid programs, as well as the reception of nearly half a million Albanian immigrants in Italy, President Begaj underlined that these events have made interpersonal and interstate relations between the two countries even stronger. The Head of State also appreciated the very good economic and trade relations, and referring to Italy as the main and privileged trade partner and as one of the main donors for Albania, he underlined that the opportunities are even greater in this direction.
 
The growing presence of Italian entrepreneurs in Albania and the interest in investments in strategic sectors or in major regional projects such as the TAP Pipeline and the 8th Corridor, are the best evidence in this direction, but which should be promoted even more. President Begaj expressed a special gratitude for the great support that Italy has given to the European integration process of Albania throughout the journey of this process. 
 
Focusing on the role and contribution of the people of Arbëresh and the new Albanian community in Italy, the Head of State assessed that thanks to the support of state solidarity, as well as thanks to Italian hospitality, they are better integrated in social, economic life, but also Italian politics, never feeling threatened to assimilate. The two Presidents agreed to support joint state initiatives in the preservation and promotion of these common values, which are the foundation of the proven friendship between the two peoples. 
 
One of these initiatives, like that of the Arbëri heritage fund "Moti i Madh", is related to the joint efforts for the preservation and promotion in UNESCO of the Arbëri language and traditions. The two Presidents also paid special attention to the latest developments in the Western Balkans region, the impact on this region of the consequences of Russian military aggression in Ukraine, as well as the increase in the activities of malicious third actors with the aim of destabilizing the region.
 
In the framework of regional developments, President Begaj appreciated Italy's role in maintaining peace and stability in the Western Balkans, as well as expressed gratitude for considering this region as a priority and for the very significant support of the enlargement process within the European Union. but also as an active actor within the Berlin Process. Importantly, President Begaj underlined the support that Italy has given to Kosovo's membership in the Council of Europe, but also in other regional organizations, as well as the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue for the normalization of relations. At the end of the meeting, the two Presidents agreed to continue encouraging and supporting the institutions of both countries in further strengthening cooperation and friendship.