The President of Albania, Bajram Begaj, was today honored with the title of “Honorary Citizen” by the Municipal Assembly of Gjilan, for his contributions to the declaration of independence and his help during the last war in Kosovo.

After receiving the award, President Begaj expressed that Albania will always stand by Kosovo, even in times of peace, as reported by KosovaPress.

Begaj stated that there must be cooperation among each other in order to strengthen as Albanians and, as he said, “to build a developed economy to rise as high as possible.”

Furthermore, Begaj mentioned that Albania and Kosovo must envision a shared future on the journey toward European Union membership.

“It is difficult to find the right words to express gratitude, emotions, and honors. This title belongs to all Albanians who, in the most difficult moments of Kosovo’s history, stood by you as an inseparable part. We will always stand by each other, even in times of peace, because the peace that needs to be preserved requires something even more difficult, wisdom, a clear vision, and courage to build a future. We must use this opportunity to strengthen each other, to build a united economy, to share the experiences we have gained, and certainly to rise together as Albanians… We want to be part of Europe because we belong to it with values and history. We are a people that believes in democracy, freedom, justice, and the euro-Atlantic values of a developed Albania. Albania and Kosovo must see a future in a shared journey toward the European Union,” said Begaj.

The Mayor of Gjilan, Alban Hyseni, said that President Begaj continues to contribute to their country.

Hyseni added that Albania’s role as a strong supporter of Kosovo’s membership in the European Union remains vital.

“This is a symbolic title that comes as a sign of gratitude and respect for everything you have done for Kosovo and its citizens, especially during the darkest days of our history… During the war period, 1998-99, when Kosovo was experiencing the war, you were an officer in the Albanian army, ready to help your brothers and sisters. This contribution is what drives us today to honor you with this title. All of Kosovo will never forget Albania’s help… In this time, as Kosovo is rapidly consolidating, striving to become part of the European family, Albania’s role as a strong supporter remains vital,” said Hyseni.

Kosovo’s political party assembly members also expressed their words of respect for the President of Albania, Bajram Begaj, as reported by KosovaPress.

Assembly member from LDK, Gentrit Murseli, continued by saying that Begaj is a president who feels Kosovo as an inseparable part of the spirit of Albanians.

Meanwhile, Bujar Nevzati from PDK emphasized that continuous steps must be taken towards the unification of Kosovo with Albania.

Nazim Gagica from AAK pointed out that this title affirms the unbreakable cooperation between the two states.

The President of Albania, Bajram Begaj, is on an official two-day visit to Kosovo.