Albania flag day f ocus on democracy, diplomacy, integration Bujar Dida westernb alkans. Though ing the general welfare of alba- major improvements in accom- AmBAssADor of the repuBlic of situated at a crossroads and nians. modation facilities, increased AlBAniA under the dominance of em- a lbania has endeavored to lodging capacity and the color- pires, for fifteen long centuries promote good neighborly rela- ful mosaic of albania’s land- The Nov. 28, is thea lbanian people perse- tions, aimed at regional stabil- scapes have resulted not only in a very joyous vered, preserving their core lan- ity, security and peace; an idea the inclusion of albania as a top occasion for guage and endemic traditions. strongly supported by the gov- destination by major guide- alla lbanians; The country did not enjoy nom- ernment, under the motto “zero books, such as Lonely Planet an opportu- inal independence until 1912, problems with neighbors.” in and arukikata, but also a dra- nity to feel when albanian renaissance the last two decades, consecu- matic increase in the number proud of our leaders proclaimed albania a tive administrations have of n tourists i the past few years. long history as sovereign and independent steadily increased albania’s The Japanese public is periodi- a people and country, in vlora city, on Nov. strategic role in the region, cally introduced to a wide range also to reflect 28. through our constructive diplo- of oa tours t lbania and the re- Left, Berat, in southern Albania, was designated as a World Heritage site for its historical significance. Right, Gjirokaster Castle is on future challenges ahead of i n 1991, the republic of al- macy-oriented attitude, sup- gion, through joint efforts by the in the southern Albanian city of Gjirokaster, which is also a World Heritage site representing a rare example of the influence of usn i the 21st century. bania introduced comprehen- port for the international e f mbassy o the republic of al- Ottoman architecture. aAi lB n A emBAssy o n this festive day, it is my sive democratic reforms toward recognition of the republic of banian i Japan, the National distinguished pleasure as the a market economy, political Kosovos a a full member of the agency of Tourism, the Japan tions, within the framework of future,s a discussed candidly tions are ripe for major direct port of the minister of educa- a mbassador of the republic of pluralism and democratization U.N., the implementation of association of Travel agents parliamentary diplomacy and during another important visit investments from Japanese tion, Lindita Nikolla, and the albania to Japan, to extend the of society. Within four years, it ohrid agreement and the ad- and other private Japanese the establishment of close rela- in February of Japan’s Parlia- companies in all up-and-com- Polytechnic University of Tirana best wishes for health, peace became a member of the Coun- vancement of human rights to companies targeting the bal- tions between the parliamen- mentary vice minister of For- ing sectors of the economy. al- following the presentation of and prosperity to Their impe- cilfe o urope and on July 9, 2009, a lbanian communities in the kans. tary groups of the two countries. eigna ffairs, Takao makino. banians are learning the the first methodology of the Jap- rialm ajesties emperor akihito a lbania joined NaTo as its 28th region. This year marked an impor- is t i expected that a more dy- Lookingt a such optimistic Japanese language and show- anese language in albanian, it and empress michiko, the gov- member state. Following free The diplomatic ties between tant milestone for the bilateral namic Japanese economic and developments and the favor- ing consistent interest in cul- is expected that Japanese will be ernment, the welcoming Japa- and fair parliamentary elections a lbania and Japan are now in relations with Japan, thanks to political diplomacy in the re- able business climate, we tural and social trends. Under taughts a a foreign language at nese people and to the albanian in the summer of 2013, a peace- their 92nd year. The overall bi- the historic visit of the Speaker gion will follow in the very near strongly believe that the condi- the encouragement and sup- the university level very soon. community residing in Japan. ful transition of power to the op- lateral relationship is very good of the Japanese House of rep- Im a particularly honored position parties and and spans cooperation in areas resentatives, bunmei ibuki, to today,o t address all readers of comprehensive reform initia- as s diverse a politics, security, a lbania from aug. 19 to 21. dur- The Japan Times and share with tivesy b the new government of economy, trade, agriculture, ing the trip, ibuki was accom- them some of my thoughts re- Primem inister edi rama, the tourism, culture and sports. paniedy b fellow diet members garding the significance of this republic of albania received Special emphasis is put on the Toshikoa be, yoshinori oguchi, important day and the overall candidate status for joining the energy sector, the mining in- Toru Kikawada and Tadayoshi level of bilateral relations be- en U o June 24, 2014. The pri- dustry and tourism. Promotion Nagashima. They held formal tween our two countries, which mary objective of albania’s for- of tourism remains a priority for meetings with the President of have enjoyed 92 years of diplo- eign policy is the country’s thea lbanian government, ther epublic bujar Nishani, the matic ties. integration into the european which is coordinating closely Speakerf o parliament ilir meta, From a historical perspec- Union, attempting to quickly with the Japan international and m Prime inster edi rama, tive,a lbanians represent one of fulfil integration standards Cooperation agency through as well as members of the op- the oldest nations in europe, through the processes of quali- both state agencies and the pri- position. The visit helped having descended from the an- tative political, economic and vate sector. Substantial invest- strengthen economic coopera- cienti llyrian tribes of the south- social transformations benefit- mentn i roads and highways, tion and overall bilateral rela- PAGE: 5.