Prime Minister Edi Rama, on the second day of his visit to Calabria, today was presented with the “Honorary Citizen” of Vaccarizzo Albanese, a town and commune in southern Italy, where Arbëresh culture is a precious gem of history and tradition.

Prime Minister Rama was received in a special welcome ceremony by Mayor Antonio Pomillo, who presented him with the title, saying that “bestowing the Honorary Citizen title on the Prime Minister Rama is a sign of gratitude and appreciation for his commitment, leadership and extraordinary contribution to the development of Albania. It’s a solemn act that shows the deep connection with the Arbëresh community.”

On his part, Premier Rama expressed appreciation for the warm welcome, as well as for “the Honorary Citizen” title.

“I would like to thank everyone for such a warm reception, which frankly makes us all feel at home,” said the Prime Minister while addressing the entire Arbëresh community, s well as all Albanians who settled in this region in the last decades after the fall of Albania’s communist regime, integrating in the best possible fashion there thanks to their hard work and the support by the local authorities.

Afterwards, Prime Minister Edi Rama, accompanied by his spouse Linda Rama, visited the Arbëresh Costumes Museum, which displays clothing items from different Arbëresh communities, including Albanian folk costumes, such as sleeveless woolen dress (xhubleta) from Zadrima, Vlora, etc.