During the official visit to Tirana, the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom Mr. James Cleverly visited the Western Balkans University, where he participated in the opening ceremony of the United Kingdom Chamber of Commerce in Tirana.
In his speech, Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Gjana, President of Western Balkans University, welcomed attendees and highlighted the university's collaborations with top English universities.
Today, it gives me immense pleasure to welcome you to the Western Balkans University for the inauguration of the Chamber of Commerce of the United Kingdom in Albania. Our collaboration with the University of Cambridge and other British universities has enabled us to introduce the finest British practices in higher education and scientific research to Albania and the Western Balkans region. As the president of WBU, I am honored to be a part of this significant initiative.
In his speech, Secretary Cleverly emphasized the importance of investing in talented youth. He encouraged business leaders and students to invest in Albania, stating that every nation relies on its young talent. The United Kingdom Chamber of Commerce in Albania has taken the first step by offering scholarships to students from the northern regions of the country to study at the Western Balkans University. Secretary Cleverly thanked those who have invested in the youth of Albania, as they are the future and every penny invested in them is worth it.
"Through our Chamber of Commerce, which is now officially registered and functioning, I hope you and others like you will be Business Ambassadors for Britain in Albania and for Albania in Britain. In energy, technology, education, and all other areas - you all have something to offer to our countries."
The President of the United Kingdom Chamber of Commerce in Albania, Mr. Klodian Allajbeu, emphasized that the Chamber of Commerce will have a crucial role in strengthening trade relations between the two countries. He also mentioned that they will provide strong support for education-related projects, aimed at creating better opportunities for the youth and securing a brighter future.
“The chamber shall be prioritizing the education sector by providing scholarships to exceptionally talented Albanian students to pursue their academic endeavors in both Albania and the United Kingdom. This initiative is informed by our belief that education serves as the fundamental building block of a progressive and prosperous society. By investing in the education of our youth, we are confident that we are cultivating the key drivers of economic growth and development.”
Secretary Cleverly's heartwarming meeting with a group of scholarship beneficiaries from the UK Chamber of Commerce in Tirana left everyone feeling inspired.
Through strategic partnerships, WBU has fostered extensive collaborations with esteemed British universities, including the University of Cambridge, with a focus on advancing knowledge in the fields of medicine, technology, and economics.
