User:Iaof2017/sandbox15: Difference between revisions – Wikipedia

Country Areas visited Dates Details Ref.  KOS Pristina 16–17 February President Begaj participated in the commemoration of the 15th anniversary of the independence of Kosovo in Pristina. During the two-day state visit, Begaj attended a solemn ceremony in the Parliament of Kosovo, alongside President Osmani and Prime Minister Kurti. Further, he articulated that Albanians constitute a nation that has confronted the region’s challenging historical circumstances with dignity and has made significant contributions to peace in both the regional context and Europe, despite the divisions imposed by borders.  BEL Brussels 7 March NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg convened with President Begaj at NATO Headquarters in Brussels to discuss Albania’s contributions to the alliance. Stoltenberg commended Albania for its involvement in multinational forces in Latvia and Bulgaria, its peacekeeping missions in Kosovo and Iraq, and its rapid response to the earthquake in Türkiye. The dialogue highlighted the importance of NATO’s role in the Western Balkans and emphasised continued cooperation and support for regional stability.  AZE Baku 11–13 March President Begaj undertook a state visit to Baku, Azerbaijan, to participate in the 11th edition of the Global Baku Forum. During this engagement, Begaj held discussions with President Ilham Aliyev regarding the enhancement of bilateral relations, with particularly in the energy and tourism sectors. He also addressed recent developments, including the abolition of visa requirements and the establishment of a joint cooperation committee. In this context, he highlighted Albania’s strategic potential as a regional hub for gas distribution and extended an invitation to both state and private enterprises to explore investment opportunities in Albania.  Croatia Zadar, Zagreb 26–27 April President Begaj commenced a two-day state visit to Croatia, where he engaged in discussions with President Zoran Milanović regarding bilateral relations between the two nations and the geopolitical dynamics in Southeast Europe. A central focus of their dialogue was Albania’s European integration, particularly following the formal initiation of EU membership negotiations. The following day, the two presidents traveled to Zadar, where they met with local officials, including the President of the Zadar City Council and representatives of the Albanian national minority. Additionally, Begaj meet with Speaker of the Parliament Gordan Jandroković and the Prime Minister Andrej Plenković during this visit.  United Kingdom London 6 May President Begaj and First Lady Armanda Begaj attended the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.  Montenegro Podgorica, Tuzi 20 May President Begaj attended the inauguration of President Jakov Milatović. In his remarks, Begaj particularly acknowledged the importance of the Albanian community in Montenegro for the nation’s stability and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. Additionally, during his visit, Begaj met with representatives of the Albanian community in Tuzi.  Italy Rome 26–27 May President Begaj commenced a two-day state visit to Italy, where he was received by President Sergio Mattarella. In their discussions, Begaj articulated the historical bilateral relationship between Albania and Italy, emphasising Italy’s critical contributions to Albania’s democratic advancement over the past decades, as well as its sustained support for Albania’s European integration efforts. Notably, he underscored the significance of the Arbëreshë community, wherein he proposed collaborative initiatives aimed at promoting Arbëreshë traditions within the framework of UNESCO. The visit culminated in a shared commitment to advance collaborative initiatives in the Western Balkans, with particular attention to facilitating the integration of Kosovo into international frameworks.  Kosovo Prizren 10 June President Begaj participated in the ceremonies commemorating the 145th anniversary of the League of Prizren in Kosovo, alongside key political figures including President Osmani and Prime Minister Kurti. In his address, President Begaj highlighted the League’s crucial role in fostering national consciousness and unity among Albanians, emphasising that the development and empowerment of the Albanian people across their territories remain a collective mission. He further called for cooperative efforts towards integration into the Euro-Atlantic family, stressing the importance of preserving shared language and culture as well as maintaining strong strategic partnerships.  North Macedonia Struga 15–16 June President Begaj participated in the third edition of the Prespa Forum for Dialogue, where he joined a panel moderated by President Stevo Pendarovski. Alongside other heads of state from the Balkans, he asserted that fostering cooperation and mutual understanding among peoples of the Balkans was essential for transforming past conflicts into valuable lessons for future collaboration.  Montenegro Podgorica 27 June President Begaj undertook a state visit to Montenegro to participate in the South-East European Cooperation Process summit (SEECP). In his address, President Begaj commended Montenegro for its leadership role, emphasising the importance of regional cooperation initiatives for fostering closer ties among Southeast European nations.  Azerbaijan Baku 7 July President Begaj embarked on a state visit to Azerbaijan at the invitation by President Ilham Aliyev. During this visit, both leaders engaged in discussions centered on bilateral cooperation, particularly concerning the development of a modern gasification network in Albania and regional gas distribution projects. Begaj highlighted Albania’s role as a gas transit nation and its strategic significance following the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) project.  Slovenia Ljubljana 13 July President Begaj was received by President Nataša Pirc Musar. Following a formal ceremony and subsequent meetings between the two delegations, a joint press conference was held to discuss key topics. President Begaj acknowledged Slovenia as a significant regional and European partner, expressing gratitude for its ongoing support of Albania’s EU integration process and the broader Western Balkans enlargement initiative. Additionally, they addressed issues such as the integration of the Albanian diaspora in Slovenia, cooperation in education and culture, along with Slovenia’s support following the 2019 earthquake in Albania.  Kazakhstan Astana 6–8 September President Begaj Albania engaged in discussions with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, focusing on enhancing bilateral relations. Notable agreements included initiatives to launch direct flights, expand visa exemption policies, and foster cultural exchange between both nations.  MKD Skopje 11 September President Begaj participated in the 12th summit of the Brdo-Brijuni Process held in Skopje, North Macedonia, together with other heads of state from the Western Balkans. He denoted the shared challenges of EU integration, youth issues, emigration, and climate change, and engaged in bilateral discussions with leaders from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and North Macedonia to enhance relations and promote an inclusive regional agenda.  United States New York City 17–23 September President Begaj participated in the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). At the conclusion of the assembly, leaders were expected to adopt a political declaration reaffirming their commitments to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  Italy Rome 26 September President Begaj attended the state funeral of President Giorgio Napolitano. Carfizzi, Pallagorio and San Nicola dell’Alto 21–23 October President Begaj traveled to Calabria by visiting the Arbëresh community in Pallagorio. During his stay, Begaj visited other Arbëresh settlements, including Carfizzi and San Nicola dell’Alto. In his address, he highlighted the historical, cultural, and economic ties between Albania and Italy, expressing gratitude for the integration of the Arbëresh people into Italian society..  Bulgaria Sofia 14 December President Begaj conducted a state visit to Bulgaria at the invitation of President Rumen Radev. The dialogue focused on deepening economic cooperation, the progress of EU enlargement in the Western Balkans, and regional collaboration in the context of NATO security. During a joint press conference, President Begaj highlighted the strategic importance of the Corridor 8 project and acknowledged Bulgaria’s advocacy for its inclusion in the Trans-European transport network. Furthermore, President Begaj reiterated the need for EU attention to the Western Balkans, and recognized Bulgaria’s contribution to KFOR in Kosovo.  Kosovo Peja 30 December President Begaj visited Albanian troops stationed at KFOR Camp Villagio Italia. During this visit, he exchanged New Year greetings with the servicemen and met with Colonel Gabriele Vacca, the base commander, expressing appreciation for KFOR as a success story in safeguarding peace and security in the region. The President thanked Italy for leading the base and highlighted the effective cooperation among various national contingents. Begaj reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to contributing to regional peace and security and underscored the importance of increased defense budgets and support for the Armed Forces.