Edited by Anna Popper
The independence of Albania was formally declared on 28 November 1912 in the city of Vlorë, after almost 500 years of Ottoman rule. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Albanian National Awakening (Rilindja Kombëtare) sparked a movement for cultural and political independence. This historic moment marked the beginning of Albania as a sovereign state.
On the occasion of Albania’s National Day, His Excellency Ilirian Kuka, Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to Hungary, and Mrs. Nevila Kuka hosted a diplomatic reception in the beautiful Kupola Lounge of the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Budapest.
Hungarian officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from the cultural and business sectors, and the Albanian community gathered to celebrate. The Guest of Honour, Mrs. Henrietta Balajthy, Deputy State Secretary for Security Policy from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, graced the event on behalf of the Hungarian Government.
The celebration began with the powerful performance of the national anthems. The Albanian National Anthem was performed by the brilliant Mezzo-Soprano Vikena Kamenica of the Albanian National Opera and Ballet, accompanied by the Albanian pianist Merita Tershana.
The Hungarian anthem was sung by Delhusa Gjon, a renowned Hungarian singer, composer and lyricist of Albanian origin, loved by the Hungarian audience, who proudly nurtures his Albanian roots.
The speaker then invited the Ambassador of Albania to deliver his remarks in honour of the significant anniversary, paying tribute to Albania’s rich history, its journey to independence and the strong ties between Albania and Hungary:
“Honourable Guests, Members of the Hungarian Parliament, Government Representatives, Excellencies, Colleague Ambassadors, and Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Dear Members of the Albanian Community in Hungary, it is a great honour to celebrate with you today the 112th anniversary of Albania’s independence, which falls on 28 November. During these 112 years, Albania has faced and overcome numerous challenges, establishing itself as a peace-loving nation in the region and beyond.
Albania is a country known for its religious harmony, where Muslims, Catholics and Orthodox Christians live side by side in peace. It is a nation where the house belongs to God and the guest, a land that has always offered safe harbour to the persecuted. We demonstrated this spirit during World War II, when Albanians protected Jews escaping the horrors of Nazism. This tradition continues to this day, as we have hosted mujahideen fleeing persecution, as well as Afghans seeking refuge from Taliban oppression.
Over the past three decades, Albania has successfully transitioned from communist isolation to a reliable partner on the global stage. We are a proud member of NATO and are actively negotiating our accession to the European Union. Albania has taken on leadership roles, including chairing the OSCE in 2020 and serving as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2022–2023 term.
Looking ahead, Albania will host the 6th European Political Community – EPC Summit in May 2025 and the NATO Summit in 2027. These milestones underscore our determination and commitment to the principles and values we share with our allies. Albania remains fully aligned with the EU’s foreign policy, consistently demonstrating our stance against aggression and injustice. We strongly condemn Russia’s actions in Ukraine and stand firmly with the Ukrainian people fighting for their country’s sovereignty and integrity. We believe in a just world where the rule of law prevails, not the right of the strongest as in the jungle.
I am pleased to note that relations between Albania and Hungary are stronger than ever. High-level visits – last year by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó to Tirana, and this year by Prime Minister Edi Rama, Foreign Minister Igli Hasani, and other government officials to Budapest – have brought our nations closer together. As NATO allies, we stand united in addressing shared security challenges.
We are especially grateful to Hungary for its proactive and steadfast support of Albania’s EU accession process. During Hungary’s EU Council Presidency, the second Inter-Governmental Conference was held and new chapters were opened for negotiation. Hungary’s advocacy continues to the very last days of the Presidency and beyond, and further progress is expected by the end of this year. Albania considers Hungary a long-standing and trusted advocate on our path to EU membership.
Our economic cooperation continues to grow, though there is potential for even greater achievements. Major Hungarian companies such as 4iG, OTP and WizzAir are already active in Albania, and we are eager to welcome more. Tourism between our countries also records double-digit growth year after year. People-to-people connections remain a cornerstone of our relationship, strengthening the bridge of friendship and collaboration between our nations.
Dear Friends of Albania, Të nderuar bashkëkombës, thank you for joining us on this important occasion. I look forward to another 112 years of strong partnership and shared success between Albania and Hungary.”
“Happy Independence Day, Albania! Köszönöm!”
In her speech, the Guest of Honour Mrs. Henrietta Balajthy, Deputy State Secretary for Security Policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, extended her warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to the leaders and the friendly people of Albania on their national holiday.
Besides highlighting the excellent multifaceted relations between the two countries, she also emphasized the historical ties between Albania and Hungary, including the 15th century alliance between Albanian national hero Skanderbeg George Castriota (Gjergj Kastrioti), a symbol of Albanian identity and statehood, a role model of Albanian resistance, and John Hunyadi, a leading Hungarian military and influential political figure.
She also mentioned the remarkable legacy of Hungarian Countess Geraldine Apponyi, who became Queen of Albania through her marriage to King Zog I of Albania. Countess Geraldine, often referred to as the “White Rose of Hungary”, is remembered for her intelligence and her efforts to modernise Albania alongside her husband. The lives and contributions of these historical figures symbolize a strong cultural bridge between Hungary and Albania, leaving an enduring mark on the shared history of both nations.
The celebration continued with a delightful music program, featuring outstanding performances by Mezzo-soprano Vikena Kamenica and Merita Tershana, that captivated the audience.
Another highlight of the evening was Delhusa Gjon’s deeply moving song Wake Up, My Albania, dedicated to his country of origin.
As the music filled the room decorated for Christmas, invitees indulged in a beautifully arranged buffet showcasing an array of exquisite specialties and drinks. The harmonious blend of heartfelt melodies and culinary delights created a warm and unforgettable atmosphere, perfectly honouring Albania’s historic anniversary, rich culture and unique spirit.
The celebration of Albania’s National Day was not just a tribute to the past, but also a promise for the future, a vivid reminder of how music and diplomacy can unite people across borders.
Source: Embassy of Albania to Hungary
Photos by the Embassy of Albania in Budapest, DPA, the Prime Minister’s Press Office/Zoltán Fischer and Viktor Orbán’s Facebook account
