During the special ceremony held at the Municipal Assembly, where, in addition to the members, the Mayor of Gjilan, Alban Hyseni, and the Head of the Municipal Assembly, Kushtrim Kadriu, were present, the President of the Republic expressed his gratitude for this honor.
In his welcoming speech upon receiving the title, President Begaj stated that he humbly accepts to be the Honorary of Gjilan, a city of tradition, history, sacrifice and endurance.
"This title," the President of the Republic praised, "belongs to all Albanians, who in the most difficult moments of Kosovo's history stood by you, as an inseparable part of a common trunk."
While remembering the historical figures of Gjilan, such as: Idriz Seferi, Kadri Zeka, Rexhep Mala, Nuhi Berisha, Agim Ramadani, Rrahim Beqiri, patriots who fought for freedom with their efforts, President Begaj emphasized: "Today this city, from what I saw when I was coming, is full of life, hope and young people ready to build a better future and who know very well how many sacrifices were needed for freedom and this freedom has not been wasted."
The Head of State pledged that, as has happened throughout history, Albania has been and will always be close to Kosovo and that together they must see the future on a journey towards European integration:
"We will stand by each other at all times, even in times of peace, because peace, to be defended, requires something even more difficult: wise minds, clear vision and courage to build a future, a more prosperous future for our nation. Today, we have an opportunity that many generations before us did not dream of and did not have. Two states, one nation, one language, one blood. It is our DNA. This is a very great privilege, but it is also an extremely great responsibility," said Begaj.
President Begaj emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between Albanians on both sides of the border and relevant institutions to build a united economy, share best experiences, and rise together as Albanians.
"We must know how to use this opportunity," said the President of the Republic, "to use this opportunity to strengthen each other, to build a united economy, to share the best experiences together and of course to rise together as Albanians. We must turn this opportunity into concrete cooperation, cooperation in the economy, cooperation in education, cooperation in diplomacy, in a common market, in common policies that help our citizens develop and live better."
During his stay in Gjilan, the President of the Republic held a meeting with local leaders, representatives of all political parties in the Assembly of this city.
The President of the Republic paid homage and observed a minute of silence at the city's Martyrs' Cemetery, accompanied by the families and associations of those who fell for freedom. (A2 Televizion)
A2 CNN Livestream
MUND TE LEXONI GJITHASHTU
