Palace of Brigades, 18 November 2016.

Honorable President of Kosovo, Mr. Thaçi,

Honorable Prime Minister Rama,

Honorable colleagues, Ministers,

Dear friends and compatriots,

I feel honored to be able to open the first Diaspora Summit being held in Tirana, under the auspices of Prime Minister Rama.

I strongly believe that this massive and all-inclusive assembly of compatriots coming from around the world, will initiate a new chapter in the relations between Albania and Albanians wherever they live.

Today we have erased the distances that separate us from one another by making the first substantial step in the restructuring and modernization of the relationship between state institutions and the Diaspora.

The history of the Albanian people is at the same time the history of the Diaspora. I believe that today there is not any Albanian family without a relative who lives, works or studies abroad.

Even the dream of the generation of the ‘90s, “We want Albania like Europe” was a call to revive ties with the Diaspora. For almost half a century isolation from the communist dictatorship was, among others, a mutilation of our bodies also.

The word diaspora carries a sad emotion, because it relates to the removal of the human from the family, from that place that as Çajupi says “where I loved my mom and dad, where even dry rock hails me with respect”.

But diaspora, carries even a happy emotion that prevails. It is the story of the Albanian who was vital, uncompromising and always in motion, of the one who transforms life difficulties in the overwhelming challenges. The best proof of this are you all.

Dear compatriots,

The history and map of Albanian Diaspora is earlier in time and varied in theme. The Arbëreshë in Italy and the Arvanites in Greece are two of the oldest communities of Albanians in the world. Their contribution to cultural development and national identity was essential.

Meanwhile, the role of the Diaspora in the US, Europe and the world, has been indispensable for the formation of the Albanian nation and states in the Balkans. Neither Albania, nor Kosovo would not probably be what they are today without the contribution of the Diaspora compatriots.

I would only mention the contribution to:

• Conservation and spread of Albanian language,
• Preservation and development of Albanian identity, and
• Creation of the Albanian state,

to establish a clear idea of the fact that our very existence is a result of the vigorous efforts of the Diaspora.

Regardless of religion and region, but united around a sublime idea of language and motherland, renaissance patriots like Naim and Sami Frashëri, Jani Vreto, Pandeli Sotiri, Jeronim De Rada, Pandeli Vangjeli, Thimi Mitko, and many others that followed, were the first gardeners of a generation that sowed the seeds of Albanianismthrough Albanian language and culture.

New Diasporas, which were the result of large migratory movements in the early ‘90s to Western Europe, North America and Australia were added to this diaspora of the old time, but progressive in thought and action.

The difficulty arising in the structured commitment of communities varying in time and causes is understandable. Therefore, our government has adopted a new approach in order to create optimal conditions for a true partnership for development of the country and the diaspora itself.

In my role, I have met with thousands of Albanians who live in different countries of the world. The common denominator of all conversations with them could be best described by the words of Faik Konica “Our responsibility towards the country is undeniable: we will suffer with the suffering of Albania, we will rejoice at all its joys.”

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This is the first time in the modern history of the Albanian state that we are meeting in this format. Through representatives of 100 organizations from over 40 countries around the world, you represent today the voice of about 1.5 million Albanians.

We want to create a new model of engagement to ensure the implementation and sustainability of Albania’s ties with the Diaspora. We have also identified clear projects to enable Albanian communities in the world, become the soft power of change in our country.

The stronger Albania and the stronger diaspora, the stronger is our common radiation. The story of Albanians inside and outside should be common. Otherwise we risk deepening the gap between us. Narrowing the gap in expectations and objectives will also flatten the prejudices we may have against one another.

Structured work with the Diaspora is a difficult process, but we are not alone. Last year we started a project with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for mapping the Albanian communities in the world and to better understand their needs.

The output of this intensive work – “Policies for Engagement of Albanian Communities Abroad” – is a guiding document for the future of relations between Albania and the Diaspora.

It’s time to build a partnership that will be based on:

• Training of state structures to respond to the needs of the Diaspora in the 21st century, including consular services;
• Strengthening of homeland human capital through Diaspora;
• Development of elements that preserve our language and cultural identity;
• Training of the Diaspora to become fully toned actress of representation of the country;

Involvement of Diaspora in the sustainable development of our economy

Of course, we are aware that building a sustainable partnership is made neither through a decision nor in a single meeting. The partnership should be a natural process that exceeds the limits of bureaucracy and is based on human solidarity. It is an organic process of a man who helps his own man.

A so far unilateral relationship, with the state only expecting from the Diaspora or the Diaspora only expecting from the state, should become a two-way interaction.

The desire to give your contribution in building the foundations for a better future and our commitment to provide you with optimal conditions for giving this contribution, constitutes the essence of the Summit that is starting today.

Therefore, while bringing my speech to an end, I would like to thank in particular Prime Minister Rama, whose support and vision were essential for the initiation of this pan-Albanian project.

While wishing success to the summit, I thank you for your presence here!