Prime Minister Edi Rama paid a visit to Naples where, alongside the ceremony for the inauguration of Albania’s Honorary Consulate, he also stopped at the Albanian Language Chair at “L’Orientale” University. According to the official statement, the meeting focused on the historic role of this chair and the idea of more structured cooperation in the field of Albanian studies.
The visit to Naples and the university stop
According to the published agenda, Rama was in Naples to take part in the inauguration ceremony of the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Albania. On the same day, he also visited the Albanian Language Chair at “L’Orientale” University.
This chair is considered one of the historic centers of Albanological studies and is described as the oldest Albanian Language Chair, linked to its founding by Jeronim De Rada and Arbëresh intellectuals. Its importance is tied to the preservation of Albanian language, literature and culture abroad.
What was said at the meeting with the academic staff
At the meeting with the academic staff, Rama stressed the need to strengthen cooperation and create a more structured network among the actors involved in Albanian studies.
According to his statement, this organization would help support in a more sustainable way the preservation, promotion and enrichment of materials and academic work produced in this field.
A visit with cultural symbolism, but few concrete details
The visit to the Albanian Language Chair was presented by the Prime Minister’s office as a moment of appreciation for the Albanological tradition of the university in Naples. However, the publicly released information did not provide concrete details on mechanisms, funding or institutional steps that would turn the idea of a “network” into a measurable project.
In the absence of these elements, the statement remains at the level of political and cultural orientation, while it remains to be seen whether it will be followed by clear initiatives between Albanian institutions and universities that keep the Arbëresh and Albanological heritage alive.
The Education Minister was also present
Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro was also present during the visit. Her presence also highlighted the educational dimension of the meeting, beyond the diplomatic protocol of the day in Naples.
The visit to “L’Orientale” drew attention to one of the earliest institutions of Albanian studies in Italy and the role these centers play in preserving cultural identity.
Beyond the strong symbolism, it remains for any announced commitment to cooperation and structuring to be backed by concrete measures, so that the Albanological heritage does not remain only part of official speeches.