The “Pact of Free Cities” Summit brought to Tirana the leader of the Democratic Movement in Belarus, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, one of the key activists in forming a true opposition front against the authoritarian regime in Belarus. She was welcomed by Tirana’s Mayor, Erion Veliaj, who presented her with the “Key to the City”, symbolizing an open door and heart in the Albanian capital, as well as cooperation with the Albanian government.

“The ‘Key to the City’ of Tirana is a reminder that here, you will always find an open door, an open mind, and an open heart. I am confident that you will also find the same cooperation from our Prime Minister, Edi Rama, who has been a strong advocate for Belarus, as well as from our Speaker of Parliament, our Minister of Foreign Affairs, and our entire government. I want this key to serve as a daily reminder that in this country, you have many friends, supporters, and activists who stand with your cause. Just as Albania is now experiencing its best days, one day Belarus will also share the same success story,” said Veliaj.

The Mayor also promised support for Belarusian students who wish to continue their studies in Tirana.
“For the student exchange programs with Belarusian students who represent modernizing forces and wish to study in Tirana, we will ensure they receive the same care as we have provided for our brothers and sisters from Ukraine,” he added.

On her part, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya expressed deep gratitude for the warm reception and the Albanian government’s support for the opposition movements in her country.
“I am extremely grateful to be honored with the ‘Key to the City’ and also to the Albanian government for its support of Belarus in our difficult journey. You truly understand our experiences because you, too, have gone through similar struggles,” she stated.

The leader of the Belarusian Democratic Movement visited Tirana as part of the “Pact of Free Cities” Summit, which was held for the first time in the Albanian capital.