An evening full of interest with Albanian students in the premises of the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Bratislava. Ambassador Merkuri, welcoming, expressed her satisfaction for the return to the beautiful tradition of regular meetings in the Representation, especially since this meeting coincides with the beginning of the month of November, opening the “Albanian November” activities. This time, in addition to young people who live and study in Slovakia, Albanian students who have benefited from the Erasmus program, recently signed between Albanian and Slovak academic institutions, also participated.

The evening aroused a special interest with the presence of the Vice Mayor of the Municipality of Tirana, Mrs. Anuela Ristani, and the team that accompanied her on a working visit with Slovak counterparts, with the aim of exchanging experiences and opportunities for joint projects. The announcement of Tirana as the European Youth Capital 2022 by the European Youth Forum aroused the curiosity of young people. Mrs. Ristani made a detailed presentation of this youth initiative, which will enliven Tirana even more through cultural, artistic and sports activities, including young people from all over Europe. The students were introduced to the contemporary vision of the Tirana Municipality for the transformation of the capital and the involvement of young people in decision-making for essential changes in the interest of citizens, the transformation of the university campus in Tirana, financial assistance of the Municipality for students of excellence, etc. The Municipality team shared the personal experiences and those of the Tirana Municipality team, 80 percent of whom have completed studies abroad and have returned to their homeland to contribute with different transformative ideas and visions.

On this occasion, Ambassador Merkuri presented to the professor of the University of Nitra, Artan Qineti, the appreciation of Prime Minister Edi Rama with the “Ambassador of the Nation” award, for his contribution to the promotion of Albanian values ​​and the active role in the diaspora for about 3 decades. Prof. Qineti expressed his gratitude for this evaluation of the Albanian high authorities, which commits him to further contribution in terms of promoting the image of the country, the national educational, cultural and artistic values ​​of the Albanian community that lives and works in Slovakia.