In Athens, a special event was held, organized by the association “Tirona – League of Albanians in Greece,” one of the active organizations of the Albanian community in Greece, to commemorate a significant date, November 17, the 81st anniversary of the Liberation of Tirana.
The event was attended by the Executive Director of the National Diaspora Agency, Ms. Ermonela Xhafa, who in her welcoming address conveyed her warmest congratulations on this important day, appreciating the valuable contribution of our ancestors to the liberation of Tirana and of all Albania. Ms. Xhafa also expressed her appreciation for the Tirona association, as well as for every association in Greece and the diaspora, for their outstanding role in preserving the Albanian language, culture, and identity.
“Although the ‘Tirona’ Association is relatively new, through its work and daily commitment it has built bridges of cooperation and solidarity that enrich our community in Greece and strengthen the bond with Albania,” stated Ms. Ermonela Xhafa, Executive Director of the National Diaspora Agency.
In her remarks, Ms. Xhafa emphasized the importance of institutional cooperation between the National Diaspora Agency, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of the Republic of Albania in Greece, as well as Albanian teachers and associations, highlighting the steps taken so far toward the possibility of opening the Albanian Cultural Center in Greece, as an important step for promoting our national language and culture.
Present at the event were:
Mr. Pavlos Kristidhis, PASOK MP, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Refugee Control, Immigration, and Human Rights;
Mr. Panagiotis Halafis, Deputy Mayor of Athens;
Ms. Silvana Leskaj, Director of DEKD at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs;
Ms. Joneda Doda, representative of the Embassy of the Republic of Albania in Greece;
Ms. Lindita Kulla, President of the “Tirona” Association in Greece;
Mr. Anastas Murati, well-known activist of the Albanian community in Greece.
The event was also attended by representatives of Albanian Radio and Television, through RTSH3 journalist Mr. Artur Bejzade, the channel dedicated to the Albanian diaspora, who shared interesting impressions of this day filled with emotion, culture, and national pride.
Also present were teachers of Albanian schools, students, and compatriots, whose participation made this day even warmer and more meaningful.
In this festive atmosphere, November 17, the Liberation of Tirana, was honored with respect and gratitude, as a living reminder of the sacrifices and the ideal of freedom, dignity, and national unity—values that continue to guide Albanians everywhere in the world.
