President of the Republic, Ilir Meta, in the framework of his official visit to Sicily, stopped in Contessa Entellina, one of the first Arbëresh settlements in this region, where he was welcomed in the main square of the municipality by hundreds of citizens and local authorities. 

After the fraternal greetings, President Meta met with the Mayor, Leonardo Spera, during the conversation with whom he stressed that he feels honored to be visiting this community, which celebrates the 571st anniversary of its founding by the families of Arberia and comrades of our National Hero , Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu. 

"This community is an important center of the Arbëresh of Sicily. Thank you for the project of restoring the statue of Skanderbeg! His figure will be a strong appeal to all and will serve as a message of remembrance for the younger generations as well. 

You have preserved the Arbëresh tradition, a precious value for both our peoples, but also for European and world wealth. You have preserved the Albanian language for almost 6 centuries. You have preserved the figure of Gjergj Kastriot and the tradition of our ancestors and keep the Byzantine rite. 

You have preserved the culture, traditional costumes and customs of Arbëria," noted President Meta, adding that he feels honored to be also in the birthplace of enlightened people like Father Lorenzo Tardo and Nikola Keta. 

"This is where the formation of the Albanian literary field began, which would later develop through the National Renaissance, which was achieved thanks to our Arbëresh. 

Unfortunately, after the earthquake in Belice in 1968, your community had to close its churches for worship, but also its houses, depopulating the city center and causing a great emigration. 

The phenomenon of depopulation is a big wound for Albania as well, so the authorities of both our countries should be more committed to creating conditions for the new generation, and for the Arbëresh communities to learn the Albanian language so that the language is not lost and the identity is not extinguished. 

It takes commitment to achieve the registration of the Arbëresh heritage in UNESCO as well as a promotion and great attention to this precious wealth of European and world heritage," underlined President Meta.