"Today, in times of development, we want you as partners" - Minister Hoxha: The shared vision should turn into cooperation
Full speech of the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, at the Diaspora Summit
Today we are not gathering simply for another meeting.
As every time we come together, representatives of a nation spread across the region and a society that lives in many countries, today in this large, packed hall a great heart beats.
A heart that makes this city – today and every day – more than the capital of Albania: it makes it a common home for all of us.
The 4th Diaspora Summit comes at a key moment, as the President emphasized yesterday.
While the world around us is changing at a dizzying pace, Albania is moving faster than ever towards the European future it has projected for itself. I can say this with conviction for Kosovo as well.
And Albanianness, wherever it is, is stronger and more vibrant today than ever.
This reality reminds us of a fundamental truth: the diaspora is not simply “outside.”
It is an inseparable part of our being.
Not an address we turn to when we need it, but a complementary dimension of our national identity.
For many years, our relationship with the diaspora was seen as a one-way street. Today we know: it is a two-way street.
Our shared history has taught us that distance does not weaken a bond. On the contrary, it strengthens it.
But this connection requires care, requires attention, and, above all, requires listening.
We have a lot to say about culture, identity, innovation, tourism, local development, talent and youth, online services, including our consular service. I will not stop here because we will discuss all of these and many more in detail during these days.
But in these introductory minutes, allow me to say two words about a special and fundamental aspect: the Albanian language.
Because it is our DNA.
It is not just a means of communication — it is memory, identity, it is continuity.
Without language, we would be left with only the body; and a body without a soul becomes impoverished and shriveled.
Therefore, efforts for language – in Albania, in the region and in the diaspora – are efforts to be oneself.
The biggest mistake would be to confuse the temporary with the permanent.
To sacrifice the essence with the ease of the moment.
If our language, which has withstood centuries of much more difficult times, weakens today – when we are more knowledgeable, stronger, and more connected than ever – then the responsibility is ours alone.
This is the message of the legitimate demand of students in North Macedonia to exercise their rights in their native language.
We should also keep this in mind for the teachers, volunteers, and organizers in the diaspora, who keep our language alive every weekend, in every classroom, in every activity.
They deserve not only gratitude; they deserve more concrete support, and for this we are committed with the entire team at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Our strength has always been to be open, to learn other languages but without forgetting our own.
To open up to the world, without losing ourselves.
Let's build bridges with others, without destroying our own foundations.
And we have made a commitment to bring the Albanian language, part of the great Indo-European family, to the place it deserves, in the great European family.
Dear compatriots,
The history of the diaspora is a story of sacrifice, endurance, and dedication. But increasingly, it is also a story of success.
From the first generation that left with little hope but great courage, to today's professionals who lead in science, technology, business, and culture — you have built a new chapter of global Albanianness.
Your success is not only personal — it is also national. Because each of your achievements is one more window for Albania to the world.
A transforming Albania and an affirming diaspora are two sides of the same coin.
And this medal has a name: Albanianness in development and strengthening.
Even from afar, you have always been close.
In difficult times, you have been a support.
Today, in times of development, we need you as partners.
This summit is not a ceremony.
It's a workspace. A laboratory of ideas.
A meeting point so that shared vision can turn into collaboration.
During these days, we will discuss concrete challenges and possibilities: possibilities and opportunities, projects and activities, knowledge exchange and preservation of identity.
We will listen to criticism, but also proposals and recommendations.
We will not have a monologue - because we want dialogue.
We won't talk about you – because we want to talk to you.
You will not be listeners or spectators — because we want you to be actors;
Not with a sense of guilt but with the weight of responsibility and the energy of opportunity;
That's why we have built 19 conversation panels, like never before, with very diverse topics, as well as many specific side activities that directly affect your lives and influence our common future.
Because we have a lot to say and share, but even more to do.
Our goal is simple and ambitious at the same time: to learn from each other, build stronger bridges, and create concrete mechanisms that make this connection sustainable, functional, and effective.
Because the Homeland is wherever there are Albanians.
Because, as we have said, through roots we rise and through knowledge we become strong.
Thank you to everyone who is here — as participants, moderators, panelists, contributors, and fellow travelers on this journey.
One thing is clear: a secure and prosperous future is built better and faster together.
The insurance market consolidates its financial position - According to AFSA, "Non-Life" remains the main contributor to the result
During 2025, the insurance market has further consolidated its financial position, reflecting a significant improvement in performance compared to 2024.......
Drastic decline for the US Dollar – Franc and Pound strengthen
The US dollar has recorded a drastic drop in value this morning compared to the previous day, losing almost 1 point as it was bought today for 80.7 lek and......
EU, more fuel subsidies - Aimed at coping with wartime price increases
The European Commission wants to allow countries to release more public money to help businesses with fuel and fertilizer bills as governments rush to offset......
Fuel shortage for aircraft warned - European Commission intervention requested to resolve the situation
Europe could face jet fuel shortages within weeks, airports body warns Europe's airport industry group has warned that the continent could face a systemic......
EU doubles tariffs on imported steel - Aims to protect industry from strong competition from China
The European Union is significantly strengthening its steel protection measures, after MEPs and member states decided to double customs duties on steel......
Record sales of electric cars in March - Global trend after fuel price increase
High fuel prices in Europe steered car buyers toward electric vehicles in a record March and led to the first month of global growth in electric vehicle......
Diaspora Summit, President Bajram Begaj: You are our power and strength!
The President of the Republic, His Excellency Bajram Begaj, today welcomed the opening of the IV Summit of the Albanian Diaspora. During this speech,......
"Prices should reflect the quality of service", Rama talks with tourist operators in Vlora
Prices on the coast should not compromise the quality of treatment, this is the advice that Prime Minister Rama gave to Vlora's tourist operators at a......
