On 05 March 2026, the Secretary General of Vienna Economic Forum (VEF), Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva, received a delegation from the Regional Council of Gjirokastër from the VEF founding member country Albania, at the premises of Vienna Economic Forum (VEF).

The delegation consisted of:

Mr. Dino Selimi – Chairman of the Gjirokastër County Council
Ms. Entela Çaro – Director of the Directorate of Finance, Regional Development and Human Resources
Ms. Juliana Muçaj – Adviser to the Chairman
Ms. Arnisa Ibrahimi – Secretary of the County Council
Ms. Blerina Serjani – First Secretary, Embassy of the Republic of Albania in Austria

In an exceptionally cordial atmosphere, the delegation presented the historic city of Gjirokastër, renowned for its well-preserved architecture and cultural significance, and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The discussions also covered the upcoming 25th Jubilee Traditional Garden Party, taking place on 19 June 2026 in Vienna, as well as other initiatives and projects of both organizations, exploring possibilities for mutual support, including the prospective signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Vienna Economic Forum and Gjirokastër Regional Council.

The work visit concluded with a proposal of invitation from Vienna Economic Forum to the University of Gjirokastër to join the Vienna Economic Forum League of Universities from the Region “From the Adriatic to the Black Sea”.

Vienna Economic Forum expresses its sincere gratitude to H.E. Prof. Fate Velaj, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Albania to the Republic of Austria, Member of the Ambassadors’ Committee of Vienna Economic Forum, as well as to Ms. Blerina Serjani, First Secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Albania in Austria, for the excellent cooperation and their significant contribution to the successful organisation of the visit.