Prime Minister Edi Rama was received today in a special audience by the Holy Father, Pope Francis. The Prime Minister expressed his high appreciation of Pope Francis’ role as head of the Holy See and his special commitment to promoting the values ​​of solidarity, inclusion, equal opportunities and social justice.

Prime Minister Rama invited Pope Francis to visit Albania in the near future, invitation that the Holy Father welcomed.

After the audience, Prime Minister Rama met with Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. At this meeting they discussed the spirit of religious tolerance that prevails in Albania and the role that the Holy See has been playing in promoting interfaith dialogue and strengthening relations with Albania since the Communist regime collapsed. Prime Minister Rama expressed the necessity of recognizing Kosovo’s independence by the Vatican, in accordance with the new realities in the region.

Prime Minister Rama was accompanied by his wife Linda, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bushati, Minister of Defense Kodheli and Minister of Education Nikolla.