While the expectations and ambitions of the Albanian people remain very high, it is the political atmosphere that is making progress more and more difficult in the country, has said Israeli Ambassador to Tirana Boaz Rodkin.
Ambassador Rodkin made that comment in his remarks at the farewell reception for representatives of diplomatic corps accredited in Tirana, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other official contacts on Wednesday during which he launched the appeal that it was urgently necessary to foster and consolidate a culture of democracy and respect for rule of law in order to have steady progress and sustainable change in Albania.
Mr. Boaz Rodkin, the Ambassador of Israel to Albania since April 2015, began his diplomatic career in 1990. Since then, he served in the positions of spokesperson and public affairs officer at the Israeli Embassy in Mexico City, Mexico (1991-1996) and as Deputy Head of Mission in Dublin, Ireland (2000-2003). Prior to his arrival to Albania, he was Director of the South America Department in the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He graduated from the Hebrew University with a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and earned a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Tel Aviv University. Born and reared in Haifa, he is a proud father of three children. He speaks English, Spanish and some Italian. In parallel to his tenure in Albania he was also appointed as a non-resident Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Since 2016).
Challenges and successes in a unique period
“In these four years, it was my privilege to lead the embassy during a challenging and unique period. At times, it was troublesome, as when terrorists plotted an attack on our national football team during a world cup-qualifying match in Shkodra in November 2016. Thankfully, that plan was thwarted thanks to the excellent relations that exist between Israeli and Albanian governments and institutions,” said Mr. Rodkin in his remarks.
He extended his thanks and appreciation to all those who shared their partnership during the last four years, including government officials at all levels who, as he said, worked with them to move relations between Israel and Albania countries forward,
Words of appreciation were also extended by him to Albanian citizens, who have taken the lead on making their country better, to international colleagues who passionately and decisively have sought to help Albania’s progress, and move along its chosen path of deeper Euro-Atlantic integration, and to his great team at the Israeli Embassy in Tirana for their hard work and dedication to the future of their country and to Israel-Albania relations.
Further on the Ambassador spoke of encouraging events mentioning direct flights between Tel-Aviv and Tirana successfully launched last year, bringing thousands of Israeli holiday makers and adventure seekers to Albania, thus helping them to discover the unique story of Albania. “We also felt happy this year when we rebuilt a kindergarten for the children of Tirana.”
He pointed out that he had followed closely Albania’s evolution and development, trying to make his contribution and sharing the Israeli experience and know-how, from one small nation with an ancient history in a challenging neighborhood, to the other.
In addition Ambassador Rodkin said: “As I prepare to leave, I take with me an overwhelming sense of the great potential of Albania. The beauty of the country and the kindness, passion and wisdom of its people will be my strongest memories. The growth of the economy, the progress in the tourism industry, important steps towards the European Union – these all prove that this country can advance.”
However, the Israeli Ambassador noted that what is equally evident is that the impediments remain substantial. “The significant success of Albania’s growing Diaspora around the world makes it clear that the problem is not the citizens of this country – for they are hardworking, talented and highly successful in the right environment. Rather, it is the political atmosphere that is making progress more and more difficult, while the expectations and ambitions of the Albanian people remain very high. Therefore, it is urgently necessary to foster and consolidate a culture of democracy and respect for rule of law in order to have steady progress and sustainable change.”
Speaking in his capacity as the dean of the diplomatic corps accredited to Albania the Serb Ambassador, Miroljub Zaric, praised the performance of the Israeli Ambassador and expressed gratitude for his cooperation during his tenure. He also shared with the guests in the reception some highlights of the diplomatic career of Mr. Rodkin. /ADN