TIRANA, Nov 9 /ATA/ – Albanian President Bajram Begaj and his Italian counterpart, Sergio Mattarella, on Monday hosted the mayors of all Arbëreshë municipalities in Italy at the Quirinal Palace in Rome, highlighting the community’s role in preserving the historic bonds between the two countries.
The Arbëreshë, descendants of Albanians who settled in Italy more than five centuries ago, have preserved a distinctive part of their shared European heritage and identity, the two presidents said.
Addressing the gathering, Begaj described the community as a living testament to the friendship between Albania and Italy.
“Friendships between states can be built on common interests, while brotherhood is born of history, collective memory and human bonds. You, dear Arbëreshë, are the cornerstone of this brotherhood,” he said.
Begaj thanked Mattarella for hosting the joint meeting, describing him as “a great and valued friend of Albania” and a supporter of its European integration.
He also praised Italy’s longstanding support for Albania, calling it a reliable ally, strategic partner and one of the strongest supporters of the country’s EU aspirations.
A key focus of Begaj’s address was the contribution of the Arbëreshë and the newer Albanian community in Italy to strengthening bilateral relations.
He said Albanians living in Italy had become an important part of the country’s economic, social, academic and cultural life, while maintaining ties with their roots.
“The Arbëreshë and Albanians living in Italy, as well as Italians living in Albania, are part of this rare human closeness between our two peoples,” he said.
Begaj stressed that integration and the preservation of national identity were complementary, rather than conflicting, processes.
“At a time when Europe faces numerous challenges, the experience of the Arbëreshë and today’s Albanians in Italy conveys an important message: integration and the preservation of identity are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary, they can enrich society and strengthen understanding between peoples,” he said.
He also highlighted the two countries’ NATO alliance and their shared European aspirations, reiterating that EU membership remained Albania’s strategic objective, with Italy among its main supporters.
Begaj urged the mayors to continue passing on the Arbëreshë language, traditions, rituals and culture to younger generations, calling on them to “make young people fall in love with this tradition”.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of state decorations between the two presidents, in recognition of their contributions to the friendship and strategic partnership between Albania and Italy.
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