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President Begaj is welcomed in the Vatican by Pope Francis, a gift for the Holy Father

President Begaj is welcomed in the Vatican by Pope Francis, a gift for the Holy

The President of the Republic of Albania, Bajram Begaj was received today in a special audience at the Holy See in the Vatican by His Holiness, Pope Francis.
This is the second time that President Begaj has received an audience from the Holy Father, after the first visit he made to the Vatican in December 2022.
The head of state thanked Pope Francis warmly for this reception, expressing sincere congratulations to him for his commitment strong in spreading peace through direct messages to end wars especially in hot conflict zones; Ukraine and the Middle East.
The President of the Republic confirmed Albania's position on the side of the Western allies for the solution through dialogue, as the only guarantee for stability and sustainable development in the Balkan region and beyond.


President Begai presented the Holy Father with a painting of the Rubik Assembly Church, an icon of Albanian Christianity and one of the oldest churches in the Balkans. President Begaj was also received in a meeting by the Secretary of State, Cardinal Parolini.

During this meeting, it was discussed about the integration processes that Albania has undertaken as a natural part of Europe and that now, with the advancement of reforms, it expects to be a member with full rights in the European Union.
President Begaj thanks the Secretary of State for the support that the Holy See gives to Albania's integration processes. Also for Kosovo, the President of Albania conveyed to the Secretary of State the progress that Kosovo has made in the process of reforms, the rule of law, respect for minorities and integration in international organizations.
The Head of State emphasized the continuation of his commitment to deepening cooperation, referring also to the connection of the Holy See with the Albanian Catholic Church in Albania and Kosovo.

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