The Councilor for Agriculture and Linguistic Minorities of the Calabria Region, Gianluca Gallo, received the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania, Ferit Hoxha, in the Cittadella in Catanzaro.
Arbëreshë culture and agri-food synergies
At the center of the dialogue, the protection and valorization of the Arbëreshë language and culture, recognized as an identity heritage of historical and cultural relevance, capable of consolidating a deep bond between the two realities over time. A legacy that we intend to preserve and promote through shared actions and targeted cooperation tools.
Particular importance was attributed to the agri-food sector, considered strategic for the development of economic synergies between the two territories, also through the strengthening of trade, the valorisation of quality production and the opening up to new investments.
Minister Hoxha’s commitment and the UNESCO objective
For Minister Ferit Hoxha “investing in Arbëreshë culture and language is a shared priority, as is concrete support for the communities that safeguard this heritage. We are working – he declared – on a dossier for possible UNESCO recognition, a significant step that testifies to the shared desire to protect and promote these traditions of extraordinary importance. Our objective is to start an operational, concrete discussion capable of translating into effective and shared actions”.
Councilor Gallo’s vision: integration and development
“The Arbëreshë communities represent a concrete and virtuous example of integration. The dialogue initiated with Minister Hoxha – declared councilor Gallo – strengthens a relationship based on deep roots and a common vision of development. The protection of the Arbëreshë language represents an essential element of our identity, while the agri-food sector constitutes fertile ground on which to build new economic synergies. We work to make this collaboration increasingly structured, creating concrete opportunities for the businesses and for the territories, in the name of innovation and quality”.
Economic cooperation and future prospects
In this context, a shared desire has emerged to intensify economic and commercial relations, encouraging cooperation between businesses and openness to new investments. Particular attention was paid to innovation and modernization processes, as well as to the valorisation of quality production, with the aim of strengthening the competitiveness of the territories and promoting stable and lasting socio-economic development.