The President of the Republic Bajram Begaj paid a visit to the University of Tetova.
In front of the lecturers and students, the President of the Republic gave a speech, where he conveyed messages about the importance of this university in the Albanian-speaking area, in the formation of competitive elites.
“Relations and cooperation between our two countries are traditionally good, friendly, where the contribution of the Albanian factor is of an irreplaceable role, a key role. The strengthening of national identity and our Euro-Atlantic role are two sides of the same coin. A well-educated, integrated and highly civic-conscious Albanian factor is the greatest asset of our nation. Albania sees Albanian education in North Macedonia as part of a shared cultural and academic space. Cooperation between our universities should be deepened, we should have student exchanges, joint research programs and regional platforms, because education in Albanian is not a matter of borders, education in Albanian is a matter of quality.
I believe that with today’s agreement signed by the two rectors, we will have more developments in the direction of the mutual benefit of the two universities”.
Describing the University of Tetova as a temple of knowledge, built with resistance in the face of difficulties, until it gained legalization with the Ohrid Agreement, President Begaj emphasized that now, after more than three decades, this university must work for autonomy. “Real autonomy is not given”, – emphasized President Begaj, describing this battle as a condition for dignity.
While giving importance during the speech and overcoming the quality test, President Begaj reiterated that the University of Tetovo should be able to shape the elite that will be decision-makers tomorrow.
“The university has an obligation, it has an obligation to produce strategic thinking by offering alternatives that contribute to our social cohesion, to our multi-ethnic cohesion“, – said the Head of State.
In addition to encouraging the preparation of skilled specialists, the President of the Republic addressed an important message to students, in the context where many young people leave the country.
“We live in a rapidly changing world. Remember, dear students, that your Albanian roots are here, so I invite you to build your Europe here, in your home, in your Tetova.”
The President of the Republic expressed his gratitude to the patriotic founders of the University of Tetova who sacrificed for this institution that young people enjoy today and appreciated the cooperation with lecturers from Albania with academic contribution, while he stated that now the University of Tetova has the task of producing strategic thinking.
“This university was created not to be subjugated. Today he must not be satisfied with the minimum, he must set the standard to the maximum. The right to Albanian education was earned with sacrifice. The quality of this Albanian education must be increased every day.
Your past is a story of resistance, yes, true, but your future must be a story of excellence!”
During this visit, the cooperation agreement between the University of Tirana and the University of Tetova was signed by rectors Artan Hoxha and Jusuf Zejneli.
