During his speech for the occasion, Czech Ambassador to Tirana  H.E. Mr. Karel Urban welcomed the guests and noted that the present year was important for the Czech Republic and Albania as both nations commemorate the 100-th Anniversary of diplomatic relations. The Ambassador said that throughout the years Albania had been a close trade partner for the Czech Republic (or then Czechoslovakia), while in the second half of the 80-ies, Czechoslovakia was even Albania’s largest trade partner, with bilateral relations flourishing again after democracy was restored in both countries.

In his addressing the Ambassador Urban expressed the unshakable support of the Czech Republic for the European integration processes of Albania, and mentioned the positive movements ongoing in the Western Balkans, even during the dark moments of the continent from the war in Ukraine.

The Ambassador noted also that important milestones such as the Albania’s First Intergovernmental Conference in July, EU – Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice and Home Affairs in the beginning of November, and EU - Western Balkans Summit in December, are happening under the Czech Presidency of the EU Council.

The interaction people-to people is crucial to the relations – highlighted the Czech Ambassador – who then thanked all diplomats, historians, academics, artists and entrepreneurs present for their contribution to such  historic ties.

After the Reception a classical music concert with the participation of soprano Ulpiana Aliaj, and violoncellist Bledar Zajmi and pianist Egli Prifti - who both had studied in the Czech Republic, established their career there, and came to Tirana to share with the public the best Czech and Albanian melodies from the most prominent composers.

The next day the celebration of the National Day of the Czech Republic continued with a classical Concert in the Theatre “Petro Marko” in southern regional of Albania, Vlora.