Ankara, June 1, 2024
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, and the Deputy Prime Minister, Emilija Rexhepi, along with the Ambassador of Kosovo to Turkey, Agon Vrenezi, visited today the “Sami Frashëri” Cultural Center in Ankara, Turkey.
There, they were warmly welcomed by the Coordinator of this Center, Serdal Vardar, the Ambassador of the Republic of Albania, Blerta Kadzedaj, the Deputy Ambassador of the Republic of North Macedonia, Hanif Dauti, and cadets of the Kosovo Security Force studying and training in Turkey, Albanian students from universities in Ankara, along with Albanian language learners and diaspora members.
During his speech in front of the attendees, he expressed gratitude to all for the warm reception he received, and conveyed his profound appreciation for the dedication, contribution, and role in every aspect of Turkish society, as well as for the entire Albanian nation.
His visit to Ankara and to the Cultural Center named after our National Renaissance figure, Sami Frashëri, coincides with the 125th anniversary of his major work “Albania: what it was, what it is, and what it will become,” for which Prime Minister Kurti undoubtedly expressed that it is a kind of manifesto of how our nation should present itself, and at the same time, what path it should follow.
“It’s very rare for a text that is a century and a half old to be so relevant, whoever reads it whenever”. Sami Frashëri’s works are highly regarded and it is essential for all young people to engage in them, as he teaches us language through the nation, and the nation through language,” declared the prime minister.
While thanking for the warm welcome and guidance within the Cultural Center, which is enriched with photographs of historical figures and moments, and various books, he invited students, pupils, and the diaspora to come to Kosovo and Albania, North Macedonia, the Preshevo Valley, and Montenegro, whenever they have the chance, and encouraged them to learn the Albanian language as well as possible, a language that is beautiful and has a strong syntax.
”We are a nation of the flag, but most importantly we are a nation of the Albanian language that we should cherish with love and responsibility to carry on from generation to generation,” the Prime Minister stated.
Following the visit to the Cultural Center, Prime Minister Kurti penned the following in the Guestbook:
“On Sami Frashëri’s birthday, in the year when we mark the 125th anniversary of his major work “Albania what was, what is and everything to be” and the 10th anniversary of this Cultural Center here in Ankara that bears his name , it is a great honor and special pleasure to be here, and to talk with Albanian friends who love and work for our nation so much”.
Prime Minister Kurti’s full speech:
With the honor and pleasure I am feeling today among you, together with the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Emilija Rexhepi, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this warm welcome from all of you, starting from Ambassador Agon, Ambassador Blerta, Deputy Ambassador Hanif, Coordinator Serdal.
Allow me to express my deep gratitude for your commitment, contribution, and the role you play in your professionalism in every field, but also for the Albanian nation as a whole, wherever it may be, whether in Albania, Kosovo, or in other areas there in the Balkans, or even here in Turkey.
The Cultural Center named “Sami Frashëri” has this name because Sami Frashëri has done so much for the Albanian nation, while also being a strong bridge of cooperation and friendship between the Albanian and Turkish people.
We know that he has lived his life and work in both of these places. His grave is in Istanbul, but every day it is read, taught, studied wherever Albanians are. We also mark the 125th anniversary of his main work “Albania what it was, what it is, and what it will become,” which is undoubtedly a kind of manifesto of how our nation should present itself, and at the same time, what path it should follow.
It’s very rare for a text that is a century and a half old to be so relevant, whoever reads it whenever. Hence, Sami Frashëri’s works are highly regarded and it is essential for all young people to engage in them, as he teaches us language through the nation, and the nation through language.
To all officers, cadets, soldiers, I wish you success and good work, and I thank the Republic of Turkey for the support they are giving us in cooperation for defense and security.
Yesterday, I met with President Erdogan, his deputy, the Minister of Defense, and then with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, my friend Hakan Fidan. We will expand and deepen our excellent relations in the economic and trade, defense and security, cultural and international aspects, and undoubtedly each of you, each of us, contributes significantly to this.
I am grateful for this tour that allowed me within the cultural center where we share both history and culture, and through those photographs on the walls and the books found in this library, we certainly remember it because we respect the past and are filled with self-confidence and hope for the future.
Whenever you have the opportunity, come to Kosovo and Albania, to North Macedonia, to the Preshevo Valley and Montenegro, and also learn the Albanian language as well as possible, which is a beautiful language with a strong syntax.
We are a nation of the flag, but most importantly we are a nation of the Albanian language that we should cherish with love and responsibility to carry on from generation to generation.
For this, of course, we owe the most to the nation’s heroes and martyrs, and in these days of spring in the Republic of Kosovo, we constantly remember those who gave their lives, who sacrificed themselves so that we have a state and enjoy freedom. Freedom is the watchword of our Renaissance people who wanted the survival of the people in their ancestral lands and also wanted their freedom unconditionally.
The Renaissance figures did not desire power; they sought freedom. Not power for oneself, but freedom for the people. Moreover, this cultural center, which greatly respects and affirms them, is the ideal place for our gathering and beyond.
Thank you and I hope you achieve even greater results in the work you do, in the professions you pursue wherever you go.
Last modified: June 10, 2024