Roberto Tottoli, Rector of the University of Naples “L’Orientale,” alongside professors Francesca Bellino and Blerina Suta, met with University of Prishtina (UP) Rector Arben Hajrullahu and Vice Rector Rozafa Basha to explore opportunities for expanding and deepening cooperation between the two higher education institutions. 

Present at the meeting were Abdulla Rexhepi, Dean of the Faculty of Philology; Vice Dean Milote Sadiku; and Bardh Rugova, academic and professor at the faculty, due to the close cooperation between this faculty and the Italian university. UP has maintained a cooperation agreement with the University of Naples “L’Orientale” for several years, which was recently renewed. 

Extending warm hospitality to the delegation, Rector Hajrullahu emphasized that both universities are driven by a shared commitment to advancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest. He highlighted the enduring historical ties between the two nations and universities, citing the centuries-old Arbëresh community in Italy, which has preserved its traditions since the era of Gjergj Kastrioti — Skanderbeg. 

Rector Tottoli noted that his institution — a humanities-focused university with 10,000 students and 700 staff — prioritizes strengthening international partnerships. Reflecting on the centuries-long coexistence between Italians and Albanians, he remarked that the Chair of Albanian Language and Literature at his university has existed since 1900, even predating the Albanian state. Vice Rector for Internationalization and Academic Exchange Rozafa Basha also discussed plans to establish an Institute for Italian Language and Literature within UP’s Faculty of Philology. 

Today, Rector Tottoli will deliver a lecture at the Faculty of Philology on “The Band of the Prophets” by Pjetër Bogdani and the study of Islam and the Quran in Europe. His colleague Francesca Bellino will speak on Arab encyclopedic activities during the Ottoman period.