On December 18^th, the National Diaspora Day in Albania, was held the first meeting of the Diaspora Coordination Council, with the aim of discussing the further work and functioning of this Council.

The meeting was opened by the Minister of State for Diaspora, Mr. Pandeli Majko, who in his speech, thanked the Council members for their contribution so far. Further, Minister Majko highlighted that the Diaspora Coordination Council is a new structure, which functions for the first time in the history of the Albanian state and aims to protect and strengthen relations with the Albanian Diaspora.

“The Albanian Diaspora makes an important contribution to the development of the country of origin in all arias, including education, culture and the economy”, the minister said.

The meeting was chaired by the member of the Council, Mr. Mark Gjonaj, who focused on the importance of the Albanian Diaspora in different areas of the country and the commitment that members of this Council should have in strengthening Diaspora’s relations with Albanian state institutions.

The President of the Republic of Albania, Mr. Ilir Meta and the Prime Minister of Albania, Mr. Edi Rama, who emphasized the role of the Diaspora as a precious treasure of the Republic of Albania and its solidarity and contribution with the families affected by the earthquake.

Also part of the meeting was the Emergency Operation Leader on the post-earthquake situation, Mr. Bledi Cuci, who did a brief overview of the post-earthquake situation management in Albania, including rescue, health treatment, citizen housing and damage assessment.

Importantly, from this meeting was the adoption of the Council’s Rules of Procedure and election of its directors. The members elected Mr. Mark Gjonaj, Vice President Anila Hyka Smorgrav as well as Mrs. Adriana Fishta-Bejko.

The Diaspora Coordination Council, consisting of 15 members with special status, was created to promote closer cooperation between state institutions and Albanian communities around the world.