Albania inaugurated its Honorary Consulate in Naples today. Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the ceremony at Villa Doria d’Angri.
Honorary Consul Giuseppe Lettieri, Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Edmondo Cirielli and Albanian Ambassador to Italy Anila Bitri also attended. Campania Region President Roberto Fico, Naples Mayor Gaetano Manfredi and Naples Prefect Michele Di Bari joined them.
Representatives from institutions, academia, business and civil society also attended. The ceremony focused on the strong historical and cultural ties between Albania and Italy.
“Italy is not only one of our main economic, political and European partners. Italy is our European alter ego,” Rama said.
He also highlighted Albania’s special connection with Naples. He called the city “our mirror on this side of the sea.”
“We are the Neapolitans of the other shore. We are proud to be so and we do not want to become Milanese,” Rama said.
Rama also spoke about Albania’s path toward European Union membership. He joked: “If Naples can survive the European Union, we will survive it too.”
The prime minister thanked Honorary Consul Giuseppe Lettieri for his work over the years. He praised Lettieri’s efforts to strengthen ties between the two countries. He also highlighted his role in promoting cooperation between businesses and institutions.
Meanwhile, Italian journalist and former politician Gianni Letta stressed the role of diplomacy in strengthening bilateral relations.
“Good relations between countries, just like between people, remain strong only if we cultivate them. Diplomacy serves precisely this purpose,” Letta said.
He said the new consulate can strengthen ties through business, employment and culture. He also highlighted its role in promoting closer contacts between the two countries.
Ambassador Anila Bitri described the inauguration as “an important and meaningful day.” She said the consulate further reflects the close and lasting relationship between Albania and Italy.
“Naples has represented an ancient bridge between Albania and Italy for centuries and is home to a significant Albanian community,” Bitri said.
Cirielli highlighted Naples’ historic role as a Mediterranean crossroads. He noted that more than 80 consular representations operate in the city.
He also reaffirmed Italy’s support for Albania’s EU path. Cirielli highlighted Albania’s progress and stronger bilateral cooperation following the 2025 Rome Summit.
Meanwhile, Mayor Manfredi said he had discussed with Rama the possibility of twinning Naples with Durrës. Campania Region President Fico also called for stronger ties with the Western Balkans.
The ceremony ended with the traditional cutting of the cake. Guests gathered on the villa’s terrace, which overlooks the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.
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