President of the Republic of Albania, Bajram Begaj, ended today his several-day visit to the Arbëresh region of Calabria.

Begaj ended the tour of meetings in Falconara Albanese, Vena di Maida and Caraffa di Catanzaro.

As in all visits to these municipalities, the President of Albania was welcomed with a festive ceremony by a musical band and Arbëresh residents dressed in traditional costumes.

President Begaj expressed his thanks for the hospitality and efforts of the people of Arbëresh in preserving the national identity: “There are moments in human life that leave extraordinary traces. The hospitality of the people of Calabria will be one of those moments for me. I am honored and excited by the welcome given in Falconara Albanese and in Vena di Maida where the Arbër language, traditions and wonderful folk costumes are protected, preserved and passed down from generation to generation. Thank you for everything you do to preserve and inherit our national identity!”

During his stay in Vena di Maida, President Begaj visited the ethnographic museum “Sorelle Manes” where the folk costumes of the community and photographs of historical personalities are exhibited.

Meanwhile, in Caraffa di Catanzaro, the Head of State held a meeting with the Prefect of Catanzaro, Enrico Ricci, and the Undersecretary for Internal Affairs, Wanda Ferro.

President of the Republic decorated the Institute of Arbëresh Culture “Giuseppe Gangale” named after the protector of ethnic minorities, for the contribution made over the years in the interest of protecting the language, tradition and culture of the Arbëresh community.

During his visits to the region of Calabria, President Begaj pledged to support any new cooperation project between Albania and Calabria, in areas of mutual interest such as tourism or trade. He invited Italian and Calabrian investors to come to Albania, while from the local authorities there, he received the promise of allowing the teaching of the Calabrian language in schools.