Switzerland and Albania to Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Ties in 2020
The Swiss National Day has been celebrated in Tirana with guests and representatives from government, business and civil society, international organizations and diplomatic missions in a reception hosted by the Swiss Ambassador to Albania Adrian Maitre at the Swiss Residence on Thursday.
The Swiss National Day of August 1st commemorates the foundation of the Swiss Confederation as it is known. In 1291 three mountainous cantons joined together and signed the so called Federal Charter that laid the basis of the Swiss Confederation with its current 26 Cantons.
“Switzerland and Albania enjoy excellent relations. Our political and diplomatic links are strong and dynamic. In the economic aspect, the last few years have seen great improvements. Investments such as the Trans Adriatic Pipeline and the recently re-introduced direct flights between Zurich and Tirana are good examples,” said Ambassador Maitre who announced that the two countries will celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations next year.
“Switzerland’s foundation in 1291 was based on an oath between three cantons. A pact was made between them to join efforts, share resources, and defend each other. That pact – ‘besëlidhje’ – was similar to that established by Scanderbeg in 15th century Albania. It laid the foundation for building a nation, and it is also about justice, cooperation and fairness,” said Ambassador Maitre in his greeting remarks at the reception which was attended by over 250 guests among whom senior state and government officials, deputies, representatives of the diplomatic corps, guests and friends of Switzerland.
“We can consider this present time fortunate: our two countries have the opportunity to exchange and cooperate like never before. Ever since Albania opened up to the world in 1992, our two countries have increased links and understanding about each other. This is continuing and I am glad that as part of my mandate here I can play a role towards strengthening our ties further,” Swiss Ambassador to Albania Adrian Maitre said in his speech held at the reception:
“I thank you on behalf of the Embassy for joining the celebration of Switzerland’s national day. Many thanks also to our sponsors.
We just heard the national anthems. Let us have a quick view at their origin. The Swiss anthem was composed in 1841 by Alberich Zwyssig, a composer and friar. It is a psalm praising God and the beautiful Swiss landscape. The song became a favorite for many and a candidate for the national anthem. However, since that time the Federal Government was reluctant to take a top- down decision arguing that the cantons and people of Switzerland will have to decide. It took Switzerland until 1961 to introduce the anthem officially.
The Albanian anthem was introduced in 1912 as part of the country’s independence process and nation building. The author of the text, the Albanian poet, Aleksander Stavre Drenova, known as Asdreni, was intellectually engaged in Albania’s fight for independence. He wrote words, which very much express the struggle for and achievement of independence. During the communist period the anthem was censored due to the second verse making reference to God.
The anthems reflect the political history and systems of both countries. In the Swiss case, a bottom-up approach in decision making, even when dealing with the national anthem, and in Albania’s case, a national anthem born in exile, as a cry for freedom and independence, and later subject to communist censorship. While being proud of our respective, beautiful anthems, it is enlightening to read them in their historical context, and see both similarities and differences
We will have more of such exchange, comparisons and mutual learning between Switzerland and Albania next year, when we will be celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations.
Switzerland’s foundation in 1291 was based on an oath between three cantons. A pact was made between them to join efforts, share resources, and defend each other. That pact – besëlidhja – was similar to that established by Scanderbeg in 15th century Albania. It laid the foundation for building a nation, and it is also about justice, cooperation and fairness.
These essential values are important today both in the context of Switzerland as in the context of Albania. The preambles of the constitutions of both countries are very outspoken regarding these fundamental values.
Cooperation should be a continuous, sustained practice. This is a message from Switzerland. Cooperation brings benefits to all and, we firmly believe, more benefits than confrontation in the long run.
We can consider this present time fortunate: our two countries have the opportunity to exchange and cooperate like never before. Ever since Albania opened up to the world in 1992, our two countries have increased links and understanding about each other. This is continuing and I am glad that as part of my mandate here I can play a role towards strengthening our ties further.
Switzerland and Albania enjoy excellent relations. Our political and diplomatic links are strong and dynamic. In the economic aspect, the last few years have seen great improvements. Investments such as the Trans Adriatic Pipeline and the recently re-introduced direct flights between Zurich and Tirana are good examples. In our cooperation program Switzerland supports Albania in the development of effective institutions. Albanian citizens, businesses, as well as the country’s allies and international partners are strongly demanding effective institutions. They are strongly demanded by Albanian citizens, economic actors and Albania’s allies and partner countries.
Let me come back to the celebration of the National Day of Switzerland. As our distinguished and warmly welcome guests, I invite you to enjoy this evening with us. In particular, you are welcome to taste a little bit of the famous Swiss raclette. /Argumentum.al
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