The Embassy of the Republic of Albania in Bosnia and Herzegovina marked Albania’s National Day with an official reception in Sarajevo, celebrating the 113th anniversary of Albanian national independence and the Day of the National Flag.
Addressing the gathering, H.E. Anita Shaqiri, Ambassador of Albania to BiH, emphasized the historical significance of November 28th for the Albanian people.
“It is a great honor and joy to celebrate together the Independence Day of the Republic of Albania here in Sarajevo,” Ambassador Shaqiri said, highlighting the legacy cherished by Albanians worldwide.
She recalled the pivotal moments that shaped the nation, noting that the Albanian flag was first raised in 1443 in Krujë by national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, becoming a symbol of unity, courage, and the will to defend national interests. On the same date in 1912, Ismail Qemali, the Father of the Nation, raised the flag again in Vlora and proclaimed Albania’s independence.
“We remember with deep gratitude all those who gave everything for this historic day. Their vision and sacrifice built the foundations of the Albanian state and continue to remind us of our responsibility in the times we live in,” the Ambassador said.
A New Chapter in Albania – BiH Relations
Ambassador Shaqiri underlined that 2025 marks an important milestone in bilateral ties. On May 21, 2025, Albania officially opened its embassy in Sarajevo, ushering in what she described as “a new era of friendship” between the two nations.
Expressing gratitude for the warm welcome extended by Bosnia and Herzegovina, she highlighted the recent visit of Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs as a sign of deepening cooperation. The visit, she noted, reinforced political dialogue and economic ties, and included a solemn tribute in Srebrenica, underscoring the shared responsibility to safeguard peace and human dignity.
Albania, she added, supports the increasing presence of Albanian companies in BiH and values the contributions of Albania and BiH within EUFOR, promoting stability in the region.
“Our friendship also lives through our people,” Shaqiri said, praising the role of the Albanian community in BiH and the Bosnian community in Albania in strengthening cultural ties. She noted that more than 57,000 tourists from BiH visited Albania last year, illustrating vibrant people-to-people connections.
Albania’s European Path
The Ambassador also highlighted Albania’s progress toward European Union membership, noting that within just one year the country has opened all six negotiation clusters.
“This achievement reflects Albania’s strong commitment to reforms and the support of EU member states. Albania stands at a decisive moment in its European journey, determined to reach full membership by 2030,” she said.
Deputy Minister Abrazhda: Unity as Albania’s Guiding Principle
The event also featured remarks by Blerina Abrazhda, Deputy Minister of Defence of Albania, who reflected on the enduring significance of November 28th, 1912.
“Albania declared its independence in Vlora – an act of courage, vision, and above all, unity,” she stated. That same spirit, she added, continues to guide the country today as it strengthens its democratic institutions and contributes to peace.
Abrazhda underscored the strong friendship between Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina, rooted in mutual respect and shared aspirations for a secure and prosperous region. She highlighted Albania’s firm commitment to cooperation in the fields of security and defence.
“This region faces challenges that do not stop at its borders. Dialogue, partnership, and collective action are the only effective answers,” she concluded.
After the declaration of Independence, on November 28, 1912, state bodies were formed, the Eldership and the Government came from the Assembly of Vlora. The armed and law enforcement forces were established and work began to consolidate education, health, administration, etc.
The Vlora government laid the first stones for the creation of a judicial system according to European models. The Albanian language was declared the official language and the opening of Albanian schools was decided in the autumn of 1914. The most important legal act issued by the provisional government of Vlora was the “Provisional Canon of the Civil Administration of Albania”, which was published in November 1913.
The National Assembly of Vlora also elected the Eldership, which was supposed to perform the functions of an advisory and supervisory body of the government, with Vehbi Agolli as its chairman.
