Saturday, 21 November 2020, Institute for Spiritual and Cultural Heritage of Albanians
ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT XHAFERI AT THE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES ON THE OCCASION OF THE SCIENTIFIC – CULTURAL CELEBRATION “DAYS OF THE ALPHABET – II”
Dear Deputy – Minister of Education and Science, Mr. Shabani,
Dear Director of the Institute for Spiritual and Cultural Heritage of Albanians, Mr. Asani,
Dear Director of the Agency for Implementation of the Language, Mr. Sela,
Dear Director of the Institute for Albanian and Protestant Studies, Mr. Hosaflook,
Dear Ambassadors,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honor on my behalf and on behalf of the Members of the Parliament of the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia to express my sincere respect and congratulations on the occasion of 22nd November, the 112th Anniversary of the Bitola Congress, when the Albanian alphabet was unified and thus it is celebrated as a recognized national holiday of the Albanians in North Macedonia.
At the same time, I would like to congratulate the Institute for Spiritual and Cultural Heritage of Albanians for continuing the tradition of organizing this celebration which pays tribute to the personalities and the contribution of Albanians through centuries in various areas of social life. I am glad that the Celebration begins with homage to Gjerasim Qiriazi and ends with the promotion of a book for Parashqevi Qiriazi, and it could not have been otherwise. Because, these two, of course, and many other intellectuals from all over the world where Albanians live, gathered at the Bitola Congress which according to its composition and the issues it discussed and resolved, is considered the most relevant national assembly in the political and cultural history of the Albanians. After tireless nine days of work, they came up with the most precious product for a nation – a unified Alphabet, with which the nation will continue to write, read and spread the language, culture, customs, features and the written and sang folklore tradition which until then was forwarded by foreign letters and foreign languages. However, what matters most, is that the alphabet that initiated the journey of the national struggle for cultural independence on the international stage was the strong support for the national identity and political independence of the Albanian nations. This journey went through many challenges, difficulties, disputes and underestimations, but it didn’t stop the echo of the heartrending songs of Nexhmije Pagarusha, Hanife Sejfulla – Recani and many other prominent Albanian soloists. It also didn’t stop the prominent scientific albanologists and writers, nor did it stop the pen of the famous Albanian writers, the respected Ismail Kadare, Luan Starova and many others. Rather, it was the language of authentic translation of their magnificent works which increased and expanded the Albanian literary value. Not just the literary value; the values and virtues, humanity and solidarity, empathy and understanding already familiar to the Saint Mother Teresa, - the daughter of our world and mother of the whole world, as is beautifully described by the Institute for Spiritual and Cultural Heritage of Albanians and what makes us proud worldwide.
Dear guests,
Each period of time beats its own battles and celebrates the big or small battles, which are just a small stone in strengthening the foundation of preservation, development and the update of the language that is a living matter and may fall under the influence of internationalisms and the unstoppable and comprehensive advancement of technology. However, we must be vigilant, each in our own duty. Here, primarily I refer to myself and other current and future representatives of the political range as part of the legislature and who can amend and improve the legal basis for preserving the standard language. Here, I am referring to the institutions established to oversight and provide assistance, or even to punish the institutions which do not implement the Law on the Use of Languages as enacted. In addition, I 
also refer to the written and electronic media, administrative workers, educators, in order to contribute with their own example to the growth of the new generations who will love, preserve, respect and speak the standard Albanian language. And, certainly, the Academy of Sciences and Arts. You are the institutions where the intellectual potential of each state is gathered and you have the opportunity to cooperate, exchange and set an example on how joint respect and sincere cooperation can produce only values that will benefit our citizens, our states and the region as a whole.
Dear guests,
Allow me on this occasion to also congratulate the winners of the State Award “22 November”, the honorable Prof. Dr. Xhevat Lloshi and the Academician Ali Aliu, literary critic, for their tireless contribution to the study of the Albanian language and rich literary creation.
Dear, I wish to celebrate many more anniversaries in the future, in more favorable health conditions that will allow us a celebration in a much larger presence.
Until then, I wish You good health and thank You for Your attention!