The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, during her official visit to Croatia, awarded the Presidential Medals of Merit post- mortem to the Croatian Albanologist and historian Milan Shuflaj, to Vinçenc Gjini, composer, pedagogue and an outstanding figure of the Albanian music and to Shime Deshpali, musicologist and Albanian author, an Arbëresh of Zara.
According to President Osmani, Milan Shuflaj is meritorious for illuminating and exploration of various issues in the field of medieval Albanian history, as well as research in the field of Albanology.
Vinçenc Gjini, according to Madam President, nurtured our tradition of music, as he engaged in studies in the field of musical art, leaving his mark through his engagement in several cultural institutions of Kosovo.
The third personality to receive the award, Shime Deshpali, the Albanian musicologist, an author, a Zara Arbëresh, was praised by President Osmani for his lifelong activity dedicated to music, preserving the Albanian tradition and its cultivation.
“Through their passion and tireless work, they have shed light on the unique and often underestimated aspects of the Albanian identity. Their work serves as a connecting bridge that connects the past, present and future generations, ensuring that the treasures of the Albanian heritage are not lost,” said among others President Osmani.