A delegation composed of mayors from Arbëresh municipalities in Calabria and leaders of the Arbëresh Foundation arrived at the Rectorate of the University of Prishtina to strengthen ties and cooperation with the leading Albanian-speaking university in the Western Balkans. 

The delegation included Ernesto Madeo, Commissioner of the Arbëresh Foundation and Mayor of San Demetrio Corone; Damiano Baffa, Mayor of San Cosmo Albanese; Angelo Catapano, Mayor of Frascineto; Serena Notaro, President of the Municipal Council of Caraffa di Catanzaro; Giuseppe Rizzo, Mayor of Cerzeto; and Valerio Caparelli, journalist and Head of Communications for the Arbëresh Foundation. During their visit, they were accompanied by Ismet Krasniqi and Bekim Kupina, advisors to President Vjosa Osmani. 

The Arbëresh guests were welcomed by Rector Prof. Arben Hajrullahu; Vice Rector for Institutional Development, Quality Assurance, and Student Affairs Prof. Majlinda Gjelaj; and Vice Rector for Scientific Research, Projects, and Innovation Prof. Avni Hajdari. 

Ernesto Madeo, speaking on behalf of the Arbëresh delegation from Calabria, stated, “Everything begins with education and schools, which is why we are deeply interested in collaborating with the University of Prishtina.” He emphasized that the Arbëresh community is committed to preserving and strengthening relations with Kosovo. 

Rector Hajrullahu expressed support for intensifying cooperation with the Arbëresh community but stressed the need to expand collaboration beyond cultural and linguistic ties into strategic fields such as economics, industry, medical sciences, and related disciplines. 

The Arbëresh community resettled in Italy from Albania following the death of Gjergj Kastrioti—Skanderbeg in 1468 and has since maintained its traditions within Italy. 

The delegation from Calabria is currently visiting Kosovo at the invitation of President Vjosa Osmani.