RIYADH: Albanian President Bamir Topi commended Tuesday the Saudi government's support for the independence of Kosovo, which he says has contributed largely to stability and security in the Balkan region.
Topi was speaking after a meeting with Shoura Council Chairman Abdullah Al-Asheikh, who is on an official visit to Albania.
"Saudi Arabia's recognition of the independence of Kosovo is a turning point in the annals of Kosovo's history, because it clearly signifies the Kingdom's strong stand for the cause of the Muslims in Kosovo," Topi told Al-Asheikh during the meeting in Albanian capital Tirana.
Welcoming the Saudi delegation, Topi thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for his support and assistance for development programs of Albania.
Conveying his greetings to the king, Deputy Premier Crown Prince Sultan and its people, President Topi pledged to cooperate with the Kingdom to strengthen bilateral relations.
Al-Asheikh, who is touring the east European country at the head of a five-member delegation following an invitation from his Albanian counterpart Jozefina Topalli, said his mission was to foster understanding between the two countries.
Other members of the Saudi delegation are Abdul Malik Kayal, Abdullah Muneef, Mohammed Naseef and Abdul Rahman Haijan.
During the visit, Al-Asheikh is slated to meet Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha and Foreign Minister Edmond Haxhinasto to discuss matters of common interest to the two countries.
Al-Asheikh will attend a joint session of the Saudi-Albanian Parliamentary Friendship Society to better understand the parliamentary procedures of the country and explore new areas of cooperation.
"The invitation from the Albanian Parliament has been extended to me within the framework of bilateral cooperation between the two countries headed by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Albanian President Topi," Al-Asheikh said in Riyadh on Saturday prior to his departure to Albania.
He added that the Kingdom is keen on strengthening bilateral relations in the economic, educational, cultural and investment fields.
As a member of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), Al-Asheikh pointed out, Albania plays a significant role in the Islamic world as well as in Europe, where the country is involved with various international organizations to promote the policy of peaceful co-existence with people of all faiths.
By MD RASOOLDEEN
© Arab News 2010
