PRESS RELEASE
Governor Fullani's speech during the Order of the Star of the Italian Solidarity Award Ceremony

Your Excellency Mr. Ambassador Iannucci,
Honourable Mr. Ministers,
Honourable Mr. Deputies,
Your Excellencies Ambassadors,
Dear colleagues, friends and guests,

I am overwhelmingly honoured for this award.

It is natural for any human being to be appraised for the work done. Such moments have been present throughout my career. Nonetheless, I had never thought that another nation would have honoured me with its trust.

There have been very few moments in my life to have felt such a delight and motivation.

However, I will endeavour to speak in plain words in order to express my deepest gratitude and honour to the President of the Italian Republic, His Excellency, Mr. Napolitano.

Being one of the selected, who for the last 6 decades have been honoured with the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity (Ordine della Stella della Solidarietà Italiana) by the outstanding presidents of Italy, the cradle of European civilization, makes me feel proud and overwhelmingly obliged in my commitment.

In spite of the natural emotions of such a great moment, I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. D'Alema, and to the bright diplomat and the great friend of all Albanian people, Mr. Iannucci.

In this exceptional day, I would also like to thank everyone who with their co-operation, support and presence throughout my career, have added my belief in success. Certainly, I wish to thank my family for the pouring of love and patience and for being present in both, good times and hard times.

I believe this is a remarkable moment for all my friends, colleagues, and relatives, present or not today in this hall. I am delighted to share with you this great event in my life.

Mr. Ambassador Iannucci,

It is with gratitude that I accept this decoration and I would like to assure you that my work and efforts towards enhancing the co-operation and solidarity with the friend country, Italy, will grow further.

It would not be excessive to say that enhancing friendship and human understanding among nations is in itself, a noble mission. An ancient expression quotes "Friendship does for people what the sun does for flowers. Pour it on and watch them blossom".

In ancient philosophy, accepting the honour from an eminent nation, ennobles you.
It is with immense gratitude and deep respect that I accept this decoration from the President of the Italian Republic and the Italian people.

Amicitiae nostrae memoriam spero sempiternam fore - I hope that the memory of our friendship will be everlasting. (Cicero)