On the first day of his official visit to Israel, the President of the Republic, Ilir Meta was received in an exclusive meeting by the President of Israel, Reuven Rivlin.
President Meta thanked the Israeli counterpart for the invitation to participate in the International Leaders Forum to commemorate the Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp.
“I feel proud to be the head of a state where anti-Semitism never existed, but also a country where the number of Jews not only multiplied during World War II, but none of them were surrendered to the invaders,” President Meta said.
While President Rivlin underlined that “the example of the Albanian people for the salvation of the Jews is a unique model for the whole world”.
Also, President Meta noted the fact that Albania and Israel enjoy excellent relations and that both countries and peoples share the same values of freedom and democracy.
“We will be together, even in efforts to protect these values from common threats like terrorism, violent extremism and religious fundamentalism,” Meta said.
President Meta encouraged the increase of Israeli investments in our country.
“Albania has much to learn from Israel about using technology, to promote economic development. At the same time, we have a lot to offer to investors as well as Israeli tourists who want to visit our wonderful coastline, our high mountains and our historic sites,” President Meta stressed.
The Head of State thanked the Israeli counterpart for messages of solidarity following the November 26 earthquake in Albania, praised the Israeli search and rescue operations that came shortly after the earthquake, as well as the work of specialized teams to assess damaged buildings. President Meta invited President Rivlin for a visit to Albania, which was welcomed.
“It will be my pleasure,” he added, “to be the first President of Israel to visit your country.