In a special ceremony held in Tirana by “Qiriazi” University College, Enver Hoxhaj, Deputy Speaker of the Assembly of Kosova, was honored with the title of “Doctor Honoris Causa.”

In his speech, Erion Veliaj, the Mayor of Tirana, praised Hoxhaj’s significant contributions to strengthening cooperation in education and diplomacy, highlighting him as a vital bridge between the politics of the two countries and the world of knowledge.

Veliaj remarked, “It is a great honor that, during the week when we celebrate Flag Day and Liberation Day, and when we will hold the parade of Albanians on the ‘Dëshmorët e Kombit’ boulevard, we express our gratitude to the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly of Kosova, who has managed to unite us like no one else, beyond differences in religion, region, or ideology. Today, it is rare to find politicians who come from the world of knowledge. You are among the few who come from that world and have shown us that those who know are stronger than those who have. I believe this is an important example for many intellectuals who say they avoid politics because it sullies you. Thank you for insisting that good politics can be built on knowledge and dignity,” Veliaj added.

He also acknowledged Hoxhaj’s contributions during his time as Minister of Foreign Affairs and their collaboration when Veliaj served as Minister of Social Affairs.

In his own speech, Enver Hoxhaj described the occasion as particularly meaningful, as he received the honor just before the November celebrations. “This is a special day for me and my family, as well as for my friends, since receiving this title comes at a time when we celebrate the creation of independent Albania and the November holidays. No date holds more significance for Albanians than November 28th. There is no event that carries more meaning for our history, our path forward, and our future than this day. I am deeply honored that Mayor Veliaj, President Topi, Deputy Prime Minister Hajredin Kuçi, Mrs. Valentina Leskaj, Ambassador Tarifa, and Ambassador Minxhozi all expressed their appreciation for me before I was honored with this title,” he said.

Enver Hoxhaj is one of the most active politicians in Kosova over the past decade. He served as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2011 to 2014, and again from May 2016 to August 2017, playing a central role in advancing Kosova’s bilateral and multilateral diplomacy. In the Haradinaj government, Hoxhaj served as Deputy Prime Minister and was part of the Kosova delegation in negotiations with Serbia. He has also held the position of Minister of Education and represented Kosova in discussions on its final status. Hoxhaj holds a PhD in history and politics from the University of Vienna, specializing in history and political science. He has published scholarly work in English, German, and Albanian on topics including ethnicity, nationalism, identity, and ethnic conflicts.

/a.p./