In a social media post, the family of prominent diplomat Bashkim Zeneli announced details of the farewell ceremony and tributes to be held in his honor.
His daughter, prominent analyst and security expert Valbona Zeneli, said the tributes will take place today, November 2, 2026, from 11:00 to 13:00 near the Plenary Chamber of the Albanian Parliament in Tirana.
Të lidhura
None found
After the tributes, the diplomat will be laid to rest at Sharra Cemetery.
The family will receive visitors on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 3 and 4, from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 17:00 to 19:00 at Xheko Imperial (formerly Carlsberg), behind the Presidency in Tirana.
In the moving message posted on social media, the Zeneli family expressed their grief at the loss of their loved one and their gratitude to everyone who will stand by them during this difficult time.
“With broken hearts but great love, we bid our final farewell to our dearest loved one, Bashkim Zeneli. Tributes honoring his life will be held on Monday, November 2, 2026, from 11:00 to 13:00 near the Plenary Chamber of the Albanian Parliament in Tirana.
“Afterward, we will lay him to rest at Sharra Cemetery. We will receive visitors on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 3 and 4, from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 17:00 to 19:00 at Xheko Imperial (formerly Carlsberg), behind the Presidency in Tirana.
“Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who will be with us during these difficult moments. We will miss you forever! Your love, kindness, dignity and lessons will always live on with us. With grief and endless love, the Zeneli family,” the announcement said.
Ambassador Bashkim Zeneli, a prominent figure in Albanian diplomacy and an outstanding politician, died on Friday at the age of 78. The diplomat died in a hospital abroad, where he had been receiving treatment for an illness for some time.
Bashkim Zenel died surrounded by his family. Bashkim Zeneli will be remembered as an important figure in Albanian public life, a modern politician who contributed to Albania’s democratization and its path toward Euro-Atlantic integration.
Zeneli was considered one of the wise voices of the Socialist Party and had contributed to it since its founding. His brilliant mind, sharp pen and conciliatory approach will be missed in Albanian journalism, diplomacy and politics.
During his career, Bashkim Zeneli made a significant contribution to representing Albania internationally. He served as Albania’s ambassador to Germany and Greece, representing the country during important periods of political and diplomatic development. In addition to his diplomatic career, Zeneli was a member of Parliament, a journalist and a commentator.
He published many articles and several books. Zeneli also wrote books of memoirs and diplomatic analysis, including “For Germany” and “A Troubled Friendship,” in which he discussed his experience in diplomacy and Albania’s relations with other countries. For his contributions to diplomacy, foreign policy and the national cause, Bashkim Zeneli was awarded the title of “Grand Master” by then-President Ilir Meta.
