At the invitation of French Prime Minister Manuel Valls, Prime Minister Edi Rama paid today his official visit to Paris, and was received at the headquarters of the French government by Prime Minister Valls.

In the bilateral meeting that lasted over an hour, the two prime ministers praised the excellent relations between the two countries, and expressed the willingness and commitment of both governments to strengthen cooperation in the future, with a focus in the field of intelligence services, justice and police.

Premier Rama expressed French Prime Minister the solidarity and support of the Albanian government in the common fight of countries against terrorism, the most serious threat to human values worldwide.

On his part, French Prime Minister Valls praised the reforms undertaken by the government as a very positive approach to the opening of negotiations, and insisted on France’s support for Albania’s integration process into the EU.

Prime Minister Rama thanked his French counterpart for the continued support that France has been giving Albania.

Cooperation in the field of culture was another topic of discussion. The hosting party showed a particular interest for the initiatives undertaken in Albania in the field of youth exchanges, where with its tradition of peaceful coexistence among religions, Albania is an inspiring example for young people to have no complexes towards religious cultures, and respect other faiths.

France will host the Paris Conference 2016, in which Albania is required to play a key role.

Later on, Prime Minister Rama and his French counterpart Valls held a face to face meeting in the Matignon gardens.