The city of Durrës welcomes one of the most unique cultural events of the year, as the world’s largest catamaran of its kind, part of the international initiative Art Explora, docks at the city’s port to bring a one-of-a-kind experience to the public.

For ten consecutive days, citizens and visitors will have the opportunity to experience a variety of high-level cultural and artistic activities, all open to the public.

This extraordinary event transforms Durrës into a meeting point between classical and contemporary art, promoting the city as a Mediterranean cultural hub.

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Prime Minister Edi Rama:
I am extremely happy to witness the practical spirit of Europe through its ambassador, who reflected it in a very elegant, yet also very appropriate way — while at the same time trying to put me on the spot with his French, which is far better, far more nuanced and colorful than mine. But I am truly pleased. Thank you, Mr. Ambassador!

I’d like to say that when we talk about the French flag, it’s an image that is becoming increasingly normal nowadays, I’d say — but it wasn’t like that not long ago, when we felt France was far away, and when France viewed the Balkans with a certain distance. Thanks to this openness, we had the first-ever visit to Albania by a French president since the creation of the French Empire. Because if we say “since the creation of the Albanian state,” that’s a much shorter period — just over 100 years.

It was the first time that a French president honored us with his presence. And he will honor us again in just a few weeks. Moreover, Art Explora is here — and will continue to be here. This means, Frédéric, that I know you are here. Emmanuel Macron, Frédéric Jousset, the EU ambassador who speaks French — what more could we expect at a moment like this, when even the sun came out and made the day warmer, less Baltic than yesterday?

But I am deeply grateful to Frédéric.

This was truly a grand idea. I had heard about it from Frédéric and others, but the feeling here is extraordinary — the mix of the city, the port, a port that is closing its doors and being relocated elsewhere. With all these installations from a very distant era, the artworks are marvelous, shown in a version never seen before.

Then we have the immersion — the immersive journey through virtual reality — it’s wonderful. This is an important moment for the city, a fantastic opportunity for everyone: for schools, for students, to bring children here to visit this little village — truly a dream village. And also, for families, it’s for everyone.

I also want to thank all the friends from the Art Explora foundation. This is the largest delegation to arrive in Albania since the Marxist-Leninist delegations during the communist era. They were more numerous and more disciplined — they didn’t move around; they stayed in the block.

Thank you very much!