President Bajram Begaj has praised the work of writer Ismail Kadare as a testimony to the antiquity of Albanians and European identity.
In a message on the birthday of writer Iamail Kadare, who died last year, President Begaj said that "Kadare will live to tell the world about Albania and Albanians, the historical drama, pride and vitality of our nation".
The full message of President Begaj:
Today, on the first birthday of Ismail Kadare after his death, we feel proud that the Albanian genius of letters has taken a revered place in the pantheon of literature and culture.
With his prose and poetry, he introduced to the world the authenticity and antiquity of our national existence. Kadare witnessed on every page of his works the titanic strength, sacrifices and dedication of our people to be part of European culture and the progressive world.
As long as readers around the world continue to read his books, Kadare will live to tell the world about Albania and Albanians, historical drama, pride and vitality of our nation.