Italian President, Sergio Mattarella is conducting a visit to Tirana, where he was received Thursday by his Albanian counterpart, Bajram Begaj, and declared that Albania has a very important role in the region.

During the joint press conference, the Italian President stressed that Albania is a very important partner in the Balkan region and that cultural cooperation is also important.

"It is a great joy for countries like Italy that have always supported Albania's integration into the EU. We have important economic exchanges that have grown significantly in recent years.

Our relationship built strong strong pillar to increase cooperation. Albania has a significant impact on the entire region. The exchange of culture and civilization between the two countries has been constant throughout time. Arbëresh people in Italy have preserved their culture.

Albania is a very important partner in the Balkan region. Cultural cooperation is also important. We remember the community of arborists in Italy, materializing that through specific traditions and customs, so that the relationship in all areas, we contribute to cultivate this friendship even in the new generations. This cultural cooperation is very important.

Italy is ready to contribute to the sites protected by UNESCO in Albania. Albania is the main one in Europe, not only for the relationship with Italy but also for Europe. We will always be supportive in the process of Albania's integration into the EU", said President Mattarella.