Kosovo’s Acting President Albulena Haxhiu attended an official reception hosted by Italian President Sergio Mattarella ahead of the opening ceremony of the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games.
The reception was held at the Aragonese Castle in Taranto and brought together heads of state and senior representatives from participating Mediterranean countries.
Haxhiu described her participation as an honor and highlighted the role of sport in strengthening friendship, closer ties and cooperation among countries.
“Thank you, President Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, for the warm hospitality,” Haxhiu wrote in a Facebook post.
Haxhiu is in Italy for the opening of the 2026 Mediterranean Games, which begin in Taranto on August 21. Kosovo is participating with its largest-ever delegation at the Mediterranean Games, with 163 athletes competing across 17 individual and four team sports.
The Taranto Games also carry particular significance for Kosovo because Prishtina is scheduled to host the next edition of the Mediterranean Games in 2030. The transition toward the 2030 Games is expected to provide Kosovo with an opportunity to showcase its sporting infrastructure and international profile.
Haxhiu’s participation in the official reception comes as Kosovo prepares for its role as future host of the Mediterranean Games, making the event an important diplomatic and sporting occasion for the country.
