By Karol Bachura
Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Tirana
Within a short period of time, I once again see with admiration the solidarity of Albanians in hard moments at a time when no one is immune to nature as in the November earthquake and even now in the worldwide pandemic. As 40 years ago in Poland the independent workers syndicates ‘Solidarnost’ were born, which led to the overthrow of communism a decade later, likewise I see even today a tremendous solidarity of my very close Albanian friends, solidarity that will undoubtedly bring victory over the epidemic. I rejoice over the coordinated action by the president, prime minister, government, opposition and the entire society on behalf of the high goals. No one has immunity in this war.
I express my sincere condolences to the families of the victims of the pandemic, in this war with the common and invisible enemy, calling at the same time on all to respect the restriction measures with maximum determination so that we can get out of this fight with the least loss.
I bow with deep reverence before the titanic, superhuman effort of doctors, nurses, drivers of ambulances and all health personnel, but also before all those who guarantee us the smooth supply of energy, internet, pharmacists, markets, banks and administration in the circumstance of the international quarantine. I do not forget here those who harnessed our initial recklessness – the state police, the army, the municipal police. A big thumbs up for the journalists who tirelessly inform us about the dynamics of the situation.
THIS SOLIDARITY WILL BE NEEDED by US EVEN AFTER WINNING THIS WAR, IN THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE WORLD WITHOUT COVID-19.
The darkness of the pandemic covered not only the brightness of early spring but also the light of the future embodied this week with the decision on the opening of Albania’s negotiations with the European Union. The decision, which has been a bit delayed for me, is the most just and thoroughly deserved decision for Albania. I congratulate all those who worked for this day for years. This success belongs to all .Albanians! You are already entering the highway that will lead you to the ultimate goal, to the EU membership. You will have to overcome all obstacles along this road to get as close as possible to the final destination. With solidarity as Albanians take care of yourself in these times. With solidarity as humanity let’s take care of ourselves.
Always in the spirit of the Polish-Albanian Solidarity the undertaking of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland and the airline company PLL LOT carried out in the frame of the operation encoded ‘Lot do Domu!’ (We fly home!) made possible the repatriation of the Albanian nationals who were in Poland and the Polish nationals who were in Albania.
Courage and patience!
