At the invitation of Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani, a delegation from the ‘Arbëresh Foundation’ has concluded an official visit to Kosovo. The visit aimed to strengthen inter-institutional cooperation and deepen the historical and cultural ties between Arbëresh municipalities and Kosovo.
High-Level Representation and Extensive Engagements
According to a press release from the Presidency, the delegation was led by Ernesto Madeo, Commissioner of the Foundation and Mayor of San Demetrio Corone. It comprised high-level institutional and cultural representatives of the Arbëresh community, including the mayors of San Cosmo Albanese, Frascineto, Cerzeto, and Caraffa di Catanzaro.
During their stay in Pristina, the delegation held meetings at key national institutions, including the Presidency of Kosovo, the Municipality of Pristina, the University of Pristina, UBT College, and other educational and cultural institutions.
“Visits were also made to important cultural and historical heritage sites, such as the Hivzi Sylejmani Library, the Ethnological Museum, Pristina Cathedral, the Ulpiana Archaeological Park, and the building of the Albanian League of Prizren. The delegation also visited Novobërdë, Letnicë, Stubëll, Ferizaj, Suharekë, and Prizren,” the Presidency announced on June 20, 2025.
Future Cooperation and Cultural Preservation
The Presidency reported that during these meetings, the Arbëresh Foundation delegation expressed mutual interest in establishing sustainable and institutionalized cooperation in areas of common interest, including education, culture, diaspora affairs, economic development, and agriculture.
“The possibility of including Arbëresh students in educational institutions in Kosovo with special quotas was discussed, as well as establishing direct contacts between universities, including the signing of cooperation agreements,” the Presidency stated.
As part of their visit, the delegation also participated in the celebration of Pristina Municipality’s Liberation Day and the Book Fair, expressing their appreciation for the invitation and the institutional hospitality. Arbëresh representatives affirmed their readiness to enhance cultural exchanges and build joint platforms for the preservation and promotion of Albanian cultural heritage in all areas where the Arbëresh community resides.
