The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, Ferit Hoxha, in his opening speech at the 4th Diaspora Summit, emphasized the essential role of the Albanian diaspora as an inseparable part of the national identity, placing particular emphasis on the importance of preserving the Albanian language.
In his speech, Hoxha focused on the value of language as a fundamental element of identity, describing it as “our DNA, memory, identity and continuity.” He emphasized that efforts to preserve and develop the Albanian language are efforts to preserve the national being itself.
The Minister underlined that the responsibility to protect and strengthen the language falls on Albanians themselves, especially at a time when they are more educated and more connected than ever before.
He also mentioned the demands of Albanian students in North Macedonia for rights in their native language, describing them as legitimate.
"The Albanian language, it is our DNA, it is memory, identity, continuity. Efforts for the language are efforts to be ourselves."
If our language weakens today when we are more knowledgeable, stronger, and connected, the responsibility is ours alone.
This is the message of the legitimate demand of students in North Macedonia to gain their rights in their native language.
"You should also keep this in mind for the teachers, volunteers, and organizers in the diaspora who keep our language alive," said Hoxha.
Hoxha paid special tribute to teachers, volunteers and organizers in the diaspora who contribute to the preservation of the Albanian language, emphasizing that they deserve more concrete support from institutions. He added that the Ministry and the government are committed to strengthening this support.
"They deserve recognition and a lot of concrete support, and for this I am very organized together with the ministry team and the government. Our strength is to be open, to learn new languages without forgetting our own, to build bridges with others without destroying our foundations."
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.
"The history of the diaspora, a history of sacrifice, endurance and dedication, a history of success," the minister said.
Hoxha also stated that Albania has made a commitment to bring the Albanian language, as part of the Indo-European family, to the place it deserves in the European space.
In his speech, he also noted the importance of the Albanian diaspora, which according to him represents a history of sacrifice, resistance and success. He announced that representatives from 38 countries around the world are participating in the Summit, turning Tirana into a "common home" for Albanians wherever they are.
The Minister emphasized that the relationship with the diaspora is no longer a one-way street, but a mutual connection that requires care, attention, and constant listening.
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