Since 24 July 2022, Bajram Begaj has served as the incumbent president of Albania. Prior to his presidency, President Begaj had a distinguished career in both military and medical fields, culminating in his promotion to major general as the 26th Chief of General Staff of the Albanian Armed Forces. The president has articulated his commitment to advancing the interests of the Albanians and furthering the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of all Albanians, as well as those in adjacent Albanian-speaking territories. His tenure is marked by a dedication to upholding the Albanian constitution, safeguarding the rights and freedoms of the Albanians, and promoting national sovereignty and prosperity, while fostering international relations and enhancing the nation's Euro-Atlantic integration.
As of 3 December 2024, President Begaj has conducted a series of diplomatic engagements across various nations, underscoring his commitment to enhancing the international relations of Albania. There has been one trip each to Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Germany, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Switzerland, and the United States. Furthermore, two trips were made to Slovenia, the United Kingdom, and Vatican City. Three trips were executed to Azerbaijan, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, with five trips made to Italy. The most significant interactions occurred with Kosovo characterised by seven diplomatic engagements.
2022
Country Areas visited Dates Details Prekaz, Pristina, Prizren President Begaj embarked on a two-day state visit to Kosovo at the invitation of President Vjosa Osmani, representing Begaj's inaugural diplomatic engagement since assuming the office on 24 July 2022. A significant component of the agenda involved a tribute at the memorial dedicated to individuals who remain missing as a consequence of the Kosovo War. In addition, Begaj paid homage to the memory of notable figures by visiting the gravesite of Ibrahim Rugova, alongside the graves and museum honoring the Jashari family in Prekaz. The engagement also facilitated high-level consultations with prominent political figures, including discussions with Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Speaker of the Parliament Glauk Konjufca. Furthermore, Begaj met with the heads of political parties, the commander of KFOR, and personnel from the Albanian Armed Forces deployed within KFOR, concluding with an exploration of the League of Prizren complex in Prizren. Kranj President Begaj attended the 11th summit of the Brdo-Brijuni Process held in Kranj, Slovenia, alongside other heads of state from the Western Balkans. In his address, Begaj acknowledged the paramount importance of accelerating the European Union's (EU) enlargement process amidst geopolitical challenges, particularly the ramifications of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Furthermore, he highlighted the need for a renewed approach from the EU to the region, citing the 2022 cyberattacks in Albania and the nation's transformative reforms. London President Begaj, accompanied by First Lady Armanda Begaj, attended the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in London, the United Kingdom, at the invitation of Charles III. Vatican City Pope Francis held an audience with President Begaj in Vatican City, marking the latter's status as the eighth Albanian president to engage with the Pope. The engagement reaffirmed the strong bilateral relations between Albania and the Holy See and referenced the pastoral visit to Tirana in 2014. The dialogues addressed the significant contributions of the Albanian Catholic community, particularly during the era of persecution under the communist regime, and the martyrs of the Albanian Catholic Church, alongside the enduring legacy of the Albanian nun, Mother Teresa.
2023