Skopje, 22 November 2022 (MIA) – The act of respecting languages demonstrates a European, civilized and progressive global practice. The Albanian language is not my mother tongue but the Albanian language is my brotherly tongue, said Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski at the event marking the 114th anniversary from the Bitola Congress and the Albanian Alphabet Day. “We are here on the anniversary of the Albanian alphabet that was created in 1908. The Bitola Congress launched the use of the standardized Albanian alphabet and the start of the operations of the first printing house that released primers, reading books and weekly ‘Bashkimi i kombit’”, said PM Kovachevski. He added that the Bitola Congress is considered one of the most significant events in the history of Albanians and the pillar of Albanian identity traits. First Deputy PM Artan Grubi, who hosted the event, extended greetings on the Albanian Alphabet Day. “Bowing before all men and women of the nation across decades and centuries, I congratulate November 22 to all Albanians – day of the Bitola Congress, of the Albanian alphabet,” said Grubi. Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi said the day was the most significant event in the history of the political and cultural development of Albanians. “The most precious product for a nation, the unified alphabet in which we write, read and spread our language, culture, customs, and folklore traditions, and even more important, the alphabet, represented a strong support to the national identity and the political independence of the Albanian people,” said Xhaferi. DUI leader Ali Ahmeti said the events happened 114 years ago, at a time when Macedonians and Albanians had lived in the area, in parallel with the Krushevo uprising not far from Bitola, which had occurred in agreement among Albanians, Macedonians, and Vlachs. “These events should serve as a reminder that we must build a stronger, more stable Macedonia, a country of European standards. Let’s join the EU as we have joined NATO, let’s be successful in fighting crime and corruption, in establishing order in all institutions,” noted Ahmeti. The Bitola Congress, held November 14-18, 1908 in Bitola, brought together 50 delegates and intellectuals from across the globe. It resulted in a decision to accept the Latin alphabet with certain changes to the letters adapted to the features of the Albanian language.