In a special ceremony in Tirana on Wednesday President Ilir Meta decorated
the Albanian politician and the member of the Croatian Parliament, Ermina Lekaj Prijaskaj with the title “Knight of the Order of Skanderbeg”.
In his speech, Meta said that “I am honored today to appreciate an Albanian woman who has in her heart and soul the national cause and the strengthening of the Albanian factor in the region, member of the Croatian Parliament, Ermina Lekaj Prijaskaj.”
“The life and contribution of Ermina Lekaj Prijaskaj is inextricably linked to the Albanian nation and factor in Croatia and the region. The election as a member of the Croatian Parliament for two terms is a clear proof of the support and respect that Ermina Lekaj Prijaskaj enjoys in the Albanian diaspora in Croatia. Her parliamentary engagement has given a new and appreciated dimension to the Albanian factor in the ranks of Croatian politics, raising the political profile and helping at the same time with the identification and solution of some problems faced by minorities,” said Meta.
He praised the valuable role and contribution that Ermina Lekaj Prijaskaj has given to the Croatian parliament in strengthening and consolidating the excellent but also more promising relations between Albania and Croatia.
In her speech, the member of the Croatian Parliament, Ermina Lekaj Prijaskaj said that this assessment gives her honor and responsibility, because she receives a gratitude from her mother country, Albania.
“It gives me a privilege, because I am one of the few people who have the opportunity to proudly accept such thanks. It also gives me responsibility because it encourages and challenges me to continue working on my proud cause,” she said.
Speaking about the contribution of Albanians in Croatia, Ermina Lekaj Prijaskaj said that, “it is a contribution that consequently derives from the integration of Albanians, but thanks to this contribution we are working not to get assimilated as Albanians in Croatia. We are also working in Croatia to establish institutional ties between the Croatian and Albanian states.” /Argumentum.al
