Diaspora Summit, Begaj: We must enable Albanian immigrants to vote and have political representation

" Welcome to your home ". This is how President Bajram Begaj began his speech at the III Summit recently, who has pledged to commit to the distribution of free books in the Albanian language for Albanian communities abroad.

Begaj said that the diaspora is the promoter of the Albanian identity, so it should be seen not as a " detached part but as a natural extension of our identity ".

" Albania is a geographically small country, but you have given it a global reach far greater than its size. Diaspora is the most efficient promoter of our culture and identity. Each of you, according to the possibilities, has made a contribution to the nation. Albania does not have the luxury of neglecting the diaspora. Your commitment is a great outstanding value to our society. I invite you to actively contribute with ideas, suggestions, projects and ventures, for the consolidation of democracy, the rule of law, the economy and the future. I will continue to support the work started by the Albanian institutions for the distribution of Albanian books in the Albanian communities in the diaspora. Children should learn Albanian wherever they are ", said Begaj.

Next, the Head of State focused on two sensitive issues related to the representation of the Diaspora in political life and the hearing of their voice in Albanian society, which according to him can only be achieved through voting.

Begaj emphasized that this can be achieved through structuring the relationship of the Albanian state with the diaspora, creating institutional and legal mechanisms, to make Albania reach its full potential.

" In this sense, there are some necessary steps to be taken. The first point is the vote. Albanian citizens abroad should be able to exercise their constitutional right to vote without having to come to Albania. They must vote, according to a model that many other countries apply successfully. This will turn the diaspora into a direct actor of the political and administrative configuration in Albania. Secondly, the diaspora needs political representation that will give voice to the priorities of Albanians abroad. All these are processes that cannot be fulfilled in the blink of an eye, but they are not unattainable objectives and, above all, they are necessary initiatives for us as Albanians to be together even though far away. " (A2 Televizion)