UN General Assembly
1963

I wish to take this opportunity, Mr. President, to extend to you the congratulations of the delegation of the People's Republic of Albania on your election to the presidency of this session of the General Assembly. 2. On behalf of the Government of the People's Republic of Albania, I salute the eighteenth session of the United Nations General Assembly, and wish it every success in its work. The people and Government of Albania are steadfastly devoting their efforts and energy to the peaceful development of the country and to safeguarding international peace and co-operation, which is also in conformity with the high purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. To a country like Albania, which has suffered so much from wars and which is now engaged in building socialism, peace is very precious indeed. The Albanians are known as a freedom-loving people that is also devoted to peace and the maintenance of friendly relations with other peoples. It has never attacked the territory or the rights of other nations, nor has it permitted nor will it ever permit anyone to jeopardize its homeland, liberty or rights. It has always fought for freedom and progress. During the Second World War, the Albanian people, as a resolute member of the anti-fascist coalition, made extremely heavy sacrifices in the struggle against the Italian fascist and German nazi invaders, until total victory was won.