TIRANA – The Secretary General of RYCO, Mr. Albert Hani and the Head of Local Branch Office in Albania Mr. Kreshnik Loka, hosted today the Ambassador of Japan to Albania, Ms. Kato Kikuko, at RYCO’s Head Office. The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation between RYCO and Japan, reinforcing their joint efforts and commitment to peacebuilding, youth mobility and international cooperation.
During the discussion, the Secretary General shared RYCO’s ongoing and upcoming initiatives, emphasizing the longstanding collaboration between RYCO and the Government of Japan. A key highlight was the “Western Balkans Meet Japan: A Bridge into the Future” Program, implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan with the support of RYCO since 2018, which has fostered youth connections between Japan and the Western Balkans.
Mr. Hani underlined the significance of this partnership, noting the strong interest in the MIRAI Program among young people across the region. “MIRAI is one of the most highly sought-after mobility programs in RYCO, demonstrating young people’s eagerness to experience Japanese culture and deepen their understanding of peacebuilding. We are proud to see so many MIRAI Alumni actively engaging with the work of Japanese Embassies in the region.”
Ambassador Kikuko also highlighted the transformative impact of exchange programs like MIRAI, emphasizing their role in bringing youth together to foster peacebuilding- a core value shared by both Japan and RYCO.
“We recognize and appreciate RYCO’s role in empowering young leaders through this program, who continue to contribute to their communities and beyond,” she stated.
Two MIRAI Alumni, Ms. Dragana Kurti and Mr. Ralf Salihi, also joined the meeting, sharing their experiences of Japanese culture, resilience, and peacebuilding practices. They described their participation as a life-changing and eye-opening opportunity, allowing them to gain insights into Japan’s unique approach to peacebuilding and intercultural exchange.
Since its launch, 68 young people from the Western Balkans have participated in the MIRAI Program, fostering cross-cultural exchange and understanding.
Looking ahead, we are excited to open applications for the next edition of the “Western Balkans Meet Japan: A Bridge into the Future” youth exchange program under MIRAI 2025/2026! Stay tuned and check our website for updates on how to apply.
