Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Olta Xhaçka, received in a meeting the Metropolitan Archbishop of Tirana and Durrës, Monsignor George Frendo.

Minister Xhaçka praised the role of the Holy See and the Church for the initiatives and implementation of various projects during the transition period in Albania, while expressing the will to create further opportunities for exchange of experiences in the field of restoration and conservation of cultural heritage and religious sites.

According to her, the cooperation and fruitful dialogue of the Albanian authorities with the religious communities and the Catholic community are serving to the cohesion between the secular and religious institutions, and the community.

“Albania’s relations with Vatican are important and go beyond institutional relations; they are spiritual and an inspiration to Albanians. As Pope Francis emphasized during his visit in 2014, Albania is a country of religious brotherhood. Harmonious coexistence between different religions is a historical legacy. In this regard, our country serves as a unique model of religious harmony, which we actively work to preserve and promote”, said the Minister during the meeting.