Intervention of Hon. Prof. Dr Vasilika Hysi, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Albania, at the Southeast Europe Peace Summit in Tirana, Albania, on 26 October 2019.
Good morning and welcome to my beloved country, the beautiful Albania. I hope you all had a safe, peaceful trip and a pleasant evening. Honorable Excellencies, State Leaders, Former State Leaders, Prime Ministers, Former Prime Ministers, High Functionaries, Parliamentarians, Former Parliamentarians, Peace Ambassadors, and everyone present here today, allow me to welcome you! It is a great pleasure that, under the care of the Albanian Prime Minister, Mr. Edi Rama, we could invite and bring you here together in the heart of the Balkans, in Albania. I feel very glad and privileged to be moderating this first session, as this activity is organized at a very important moment for the Western Balkan, wherein all countries, in particular Albania and North Macedonia, are making efforts to open accession negotiations, and all of which aim at a common goal: peace, security and human development.
On the other hand, it is my and my country’s greatest privilege that here tonight are gathered the most prominent political personalities of the world, all of whom have contributed greatly to peace and security in the region and the world. Also present here tonight are renowned religious leaders and Albania is the best example of religious coexistence and tolerance. Activist women from across the world are here tonight as well, the lives and activities of whom have not been easy, thus I would ask of you to give a round of applause for all Peace Ambassador women all over the world, not solely for those present here tonight, but also for those who, for different reasons could not come to Albania. In this room, we are joined by representatives of civil society organizations, human rights activists, who contribute to peace, security, emancipation, civilization, human development and observance of human rights and freedoms in their countries across continents. Without them, I believe that political leaders would find it more difficult to achieve their objectives and guide their countries and world peace in the best way possible.
Honorable Participants! Honorable Peace Ambassadors! The subject of this summit is quite meaningful: “Peace, Security and Human Development.” Indeed, these are three key words of our time. In the 21st century, there are several challenges for us to address and overcome together. Thus, I am glad to have here with us the Association of Parliamentarians for Peace and Development, the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development, the Association of Women Parliamentarians, and I feel privileged that this regional summit for peace and security is being inaugurated in Tirana, the capital city of Albania. Precisely, in a few minutes shall begin the International Conference for Europe and Middle East Peace, an association composed of actual personalities and personalities, who have contributed to other countries of the world, and all of whom will commit to working for peace and social integration, because us, as parliamentarians, political or civil society leaders, as women in politics and in our families, can all contribute to ensure peace, first and foremost in our families, our countries and in the region and global level.
Therefore, please allow me to welcome you. On this beautiful summer-like day, I wish that you are given the opportunity to enjoy the beauties of Albania’s capital city, experience the warmth and hospitality of Albanians, as well as visit the museums, cultural works and taste the wonderful food that Tirana has to offer.
Without any further ado, please allow me to invite to the podium his Excellency, the honorable Mr. Talat Xhaferi, Speaker of the Parliament of North Macedonia, once more welcoming him and thanking him for his commitment and contribution, along with that of other leaders in North Macedonia, to open the accession negotiation with the European Union. The floor is yours, Mister Xhaferi.