 |
| The offices of the Albanian Embassy in Bosnia |
In a government meeting held on December 28, 2023, the Albanian Council of Ministers decided to open the Albanian embassy in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo. The expenses for this diplomatic mission will be covered by the budget of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, approved for the year 2024.
Government Decision:
DECISION ON THE OPENING OF THE DIPLOMATIC MISSION OF THE REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA. In support of Article 100 of the Constitution and Article 1, Item 21, Law No. 23/2015, "On the Foreign Service of the Republic of Albania," with the proposal of the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Council of Ministers RESOLVES:
The opening of the diplomatic mission "Embassy" of the Republic of Albania in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo.
For the opening of this diplomatic mission, the expenses will be covered by the budget of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, approved for the year 2024.
The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs is tasked with the implementation of this decision.
The decision reflects the recognition of a significant Albanian population residing in Sarajevo, with historical ties dating back to the establishment of Albanian-language elementary schools, such as "Bane Šurbat" in Gërbavica, during the years 1970-1981.
Currently, hundreds of years later, generations of Albanians continue to be born, live, and pass away in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a country where, like other classified minority communities, they advocate for their rights.
Despite being integrated into Bosniak society, Albanians in Bosnia and Herzegovina, like 17 other minority communities, face challenges in their political representation due to constitutional restrictions.
Muharrem Zejnullahu, Chairman of the Albanian Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, points out that although they are integrated into Bosniak society, they maintain their national identity.
While the Albanian community in Bosnia and Herzegovina faces challenges in terms of political representation, their contributions to various fields such as management, medicine, and academia are notable.
However, the community has faced difficulties, particularly concerning visa regulations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. The strained relations between the two regions have impacted economic and trade exchanges.
In conclusion, the decision to open the Albanian embassy in Sarajevo is a significant step towards fostering diplomatic relations and addressing the concerns of the Albanian community in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It reflects the government's commitment to supporting its citizens abroad and strengthening ties with communities that have historical and cultural connections to Albania.
We recall that the Albanian Embassy in Sarajevo was opened in 2010 but was closed in 2014 due to budgetary needs and the restructuring of diplomacy. Albanians who needed diplomatic assistance received service from our embassy in Croatia.