The historic visit of the Prime Minister of Greece took place yesterday in an atmosphere of strong emotional charge. Kyriakou Mitsotakis in Greek national minority of Albania and specifically in Heimarra, Meadow and Dervichany. The tour’s first stop was Heimarra, where the premiere was accompanied by an Olympic champion. Pirro Dimawho was born and raised there. Residents warmly welcomed the Greek Prime Minister, Greek flags and slogans “Hellas-Hellas” created a unique atmosphere.

And Mr. Mitsotakis himself said warm words, saying that this is “a special moment for me, but also a great moment for Hellenism all over the world”, and thanked Greeks of Albania who “in very difficult years”, in his words, “extinguished the flames of Hellenism and Orthodoxy”, describing the people of Heimarra as “a bridge of friendship and cooperation between Greece and Albania”.

Mr. Mitsotakis also spoke at length about the often violated rights of the Greeks in Albania, linking them to the European perspective of the neighboring country: “Personally, I was, I remain and will remain a supporter of Albania’s European path,” he stressed. . And he went on to say that “Albania’s duty in the context of its relations with Europe is to fully respect your own rights, whether we mean the right to self-determination or the right that your children and grandchildren may continue to study”. Greek at all levels,” adding the issue of protecting property rights, which is crucial for the northern Epirotes. “I believe that in the spirit of cooperation and friendship with the Albanian government, all these issues can and will be resolved, I personally guarantee this,” said Mr. Mitsotakis. The Prime Minister also touched upon the issue of uninsured older people and pension rights, which he dealt with personally and which is a matter of survival for many of our compatriots in Albania.

From Dervitsani, the prime minister referred to the visit of his father Konstantinos Mitsotakis to the same square 31 years ago.

Reception at Rama

Shortly thereafter, Mr. Mitsotakis was in Dervitsani, where he was received by the Prime Minister of Albania. Edie Rama, who, in his brief greeting, called the Greek minority “an indispensable bridge of inseparable bond between our two countries”, which “given a lot not only to this community, but to the country”. Mr. Mitsotakis, for his part, mentioned his father Konstantinos Mitsotakis’ visit to the same square 31 years ago, which will be called “Konstantinos Mitsotakis Square”. The Prime Minister also talked about close cooperation with the Albanian Prime Minister, saying that they are aware of the issues that concern the minority and that the support of the Greek state should be considered a “given”. And in Dervitsan, the prime minister referred to the unresolved issue of benefits for uninsured pensioners, which, in his words, “has been finally resolved.”

The prime minister also referred to a dispute with a neighboring country over the delimitation of maritime zones, saying “now we are close enough to resolve a long-standing issue”, always “in accordance with international law”, leaving thorns against Turkey. that “differences between states are not resolved by harsh rhetoric and empty words.”

The visit is described by the Greek side as “historic” and very moving, with the Greek mission focusing on the images seen, especially in schools where children learn Greek from the first steps.