The Acting Minister of Education and Science, Hajrulla Çeku, participated in the opening ceremony of the 44th International Seminar on Albanian Language, Literature, and Culture, which is being held in Prishtina from August 17 to 28. The opening ceremony was also attended by the Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, along with researchers, Albanologists, professors, students, and enthusiasts of the Albanian language, literature, and culture from Kosovo, Albania, and the diaspora.

Minister Çeku emphasized that the Seminar remains an important space for scientific and cultural cooperation, highlighting the collaboration between the University of Prishtina and the University of Tirana. He noted that through its rich program of language courses, lectures, scientific sessions, roundtables, and cultural activities, Albanian is treated both as a linguistic system and as a bearer of history, identity, and creativity.

“A special place in this year’s edition is dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the Arbanasi community of Zadar, as well as the inclusion of the Arbëresh of Italy and the Albanians of Mandrica in Bulgaria, showcasing the efforts of these communities to preserve the Albanian language, culture, and identity across generations,” said the Minister. In this regard, Minister Çeku stressed the importance of documentation, study, and continuous cooperation to safeguard this heritage.

Meanwhile, in her address, Acting President Haxhiu underlined the importance of the Seminar in preserving, developing, and promoting the Albanian language, and the need for Albanian to be present in digital and technological spaces. She praised the contribution of researchers, Albanologists, and seminar participants in researching, documenting, and enriching the Albanian language, and expressed readiness for institutional support in this direction.

At the opening ceremony, speeches were also delivered by the Rector of the University of Prishtina, Arben Hajrullahu, the Dean of the Faculty of History and Philology at the University of Tirana, Mark Marku, and the Director of the Seminar, Lindita Sejdiu.

The Seminar will continue until August 28 with a rich scientific, cultural, and artistic program, bringing together researchers, professors, students, and participants from Kosovo, Albania, the diaspora, and other countries.