On 28 February 2020 Ms. Brunilda Moçka, the IOM Diaspora Programme Focal Point in Lazio Region and Mr. Gjergji Kajana, the IOM Albania Diaspora Programme Fellow at Albanian Embassy in Rome, met the Albanian Ambassador in Rome, Ms. Anila Bitri and the Cultural Attaché in this Embassy, Ms. Ledia Mirakaj. The meeting was organized in the Albanian Embassy Premises in Rome, Italy. 

Ms. Anila Bitri highlighted the importance of better networking among the Albanian Diaspora through associations and networking platforms, such as lawyers, entrepreneurs, as well as other well-known professionals in various fields. Another important issue she pointed out was the social integration of the first generation, as well as the promotion of social and cultural identity for the new generation, such as access to free Albanian language courses.

The consultants of the IOM Diaspora Programme explained to the Ambassador how the Programme 'Engage the Albanian Diaspora to the Social and Economic Development of Albania' is engaging the Albanian Diaspora in Italy to the home country. Particular attention was dedicated to Connect Albania Mechanism, an innovative investment-boosting mechanism, which will engage members of the Albanian Diaspora in Italy as Agents of Development to attract Diaspora and foreign investments to Albania.

Ms. Bitri welcomed such innovative mechanism and offered the Embassy’s support to promote further this programme.

The IOM Albania Diaspora Programme is implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Albania, the UN Migration Agency, with funding from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) in coordination with the Albanian State Minister for Diaspora, Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance and Economy through Albanian Investment Development Agency (AIDA).