President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj has declared this Monday that Albania's history has been full of wars and sacrifices for freedom, knowledge and progress, while adding that "great and intelligent patriots led by Ismail Qemali gave the country its rightful place in the great family of nations".

In his speech during celebrations for the 110th anniversary of Independence, the Head of State underlined that independence is and remains a great work of the Albanian nation.

"With legitimate joy and pride, glorious and heroic Vlora invites us today to celebrate the 110th anniversary of the declaration of independence of Albania. 

In this square and in this city, on November 28, 1912, for the first time, the Independence Anthem of the new Albanian State, of a people entering the era of independence and sovereignty, was sounded for the first time, as a crowning of the efforts, aspirations and sacrifices of countless centuries. 

Great and dedicated patriots, from all parts of Albania, led by the wise Ismail Qemali, brought to life the great efforts of the National Renaissance and gave the homeland its rightful place in the great family of nations. 

Our national history is a history of wars and relentless sacrifices for freedom, it is a history of endless efforts for knowledge and progress, it is a history of a people who love the land and the homeland above everything. 

Raising the flag in Vlora was not an isolated act of a group of patriots. Neither a gift nor a product of diplomatic conjunctures, which had often damaged the interests of the Albanian nation. 

The independence of Albania was and remains a great work of the Albanian nation, of countless generations and patriots, who with historical responsibility, in the days of great danger, lived the centuries-old will of the people, with great courage and foresight. 

It was the bravery of the Kosovar and all-Albanian youth, who, with the heroism and endurance cultivated over the centuries, stood up for their country and demonstrated to the whole world the sanctity of our freedom, language, homeland and national identity. 

The crown of independence of our beloved Albania is filled with precious stones, from the glory of Gjergj Kastriot, to the Albanian League of Prizren, the opening of the first Albanian school in Korça, the League of Peja, the Congress of Manastir, and successive uprisings Albanians at the beginning of the 20th century. 

We remember today, all these great events of our nation's history, so that the generations do not forget, to remember their ancestors with gratitude and to be filled with pride for the homeland, the flag and the national identity. 

We remember them to reflect on what we must do, as individuals and as a society, for the further progress and prosperity of our homeland and nation. 

Because this flag and this land is the legacy of the ancestors, it is the belonging and responsibility of all of us. 

110 years after the declaration of independence, we are witnessing the great changes that have taken place in Albania, in Kosovo, in North Macedonia, in the Balkans, in Europe and around the world. 

The Albanian nation has increasingly strengthened its deserved position and role, becoming a reliable factor and actor for peace, stability and good neighborliness in our region. 

Albania is a worthy member of NATO, the largest political and military alliance in the world, but also the largest alliance of values, democracy and prosperity. 

Albania is a trusted partner and ally of the USA, the EU, the United Kingdom and many other friendly countries in the world. 

If 110 years ago the annexation of Albanian lands was discussed, today Albania, as a temporary member of the Security Council in the United Nations Organization, plays an important role in maintaining peace, security and promoting democracy. 

It is focused on the strategic objective of integration into the European Union, as the best future and the safest path for Albania, for the entire Albanian factor in the region and the region itself. 

At the beginning of December, for the first time, not only in our country, but for the entire region, the EU-Western Balkans summit will be held. A great event and responsibility. 

A message of support and encouragement for all Albanians and our future in the European family, encouraging at the same time an increased responsibility for institutions and the political class for the continuation of reforms and the advancement of the European agenda. 

Despite the achievements, we have a long way to go. But what we must do, first of all, is to love the homeland with deeds, with service and idealism, just like the great patriots we honor today. 

Our ancient and new history comes to us as bequests. Nowhere better than in Vlora of the flag, and on this day, the message about the responsibility of everyone, and first of all the political class and institutions, cannot be valued. 

We must be together for the development of the country, for the construction of the rule of law, for the strengthening and democratization of institutions and the respect of every individual and the rights that originate from the constitution. 

We must be together in the fight against corruption, inequality and poverty; together on issues of national security and justice reform; together for a free, engaged and educated society; for an Albania of equal opportunities, free media, institutions that serve the citizens, and young people who find space and hope for their dreams and ideals to build their future in the birthplace of Albania.

Albania's responsibilities are even greater than that. 

We have an obligation to strengthen the Albanian factor in the region. We have an obligation to our Albanian brothers in Kosovo, in North Macedonia, in Montenegro, in the Presheva Valley and in the diaspora in fulfilling our national and sacred obligations. 

We are united with them not only by the common language and history, but also by the national aspiration of European Integration and the values ??that we share and witness for peace, coexistence, understanding and prosperity. 

We have sacrificed like no other nation in the region, but today Kosovo is a free and independent state, aiming for EU and NATO integration. 

Albania can and should support the strengthening of the state of Kosovo in every direction, be its voice whenever necessary; fellow traveler and staunch supporter of her Euro-Atlantic journey. 

Dear sisters and brothers, 

The great patriots we honor today are the best example of uniting for national interests. 

With this message, I want to appeal today to the Albanian consciousness that the homeland and the nation need the dedication, responsibility, service and love of each one of us. 

From the beautiful Vlora of the flag, today I wish all Albanians in Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, in the Presheva Valley, Arbëresh, and Albanians everywhere in the world: Happy Flag Day! Happy 110th anniversary of Independence of Albania!", stressed President Begaj.