TIRANA, Sept 2 /ATA/ The Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, received Canada’s Foreign Minister, Melanie Joly, who made an official visit to Albania.
Highlighting that Canada has become the home of many Albanians who have emigrated and integrated there, Veliaj said that he is proud of the cooperation between the two countries, especially the joint agreements, such as the one on the recognition of social insurance contributions.
“It is an extraordinary pleasure that the Foreign Minister of Canada is in Tirana. Some of the works that we started with Edi Rama-run government a few years ago, such as the social insurance recognition agreement, are now completed. But the more work we do, the more eager we are to do good works. I am really grateful because Canada has opened its home to thousands of Albanian citizens. They have integrated well in society, made progress and achieved success stories there. I don’t know if this would happen in any other country. The fact that these success stories happen in Canada is a credit to Canada per se,” said Veliaj.
On the other hand, the mayor, who presented the Canadian minister with the “Key to the City”, expressed his happiness for the cooperation at the local level.
“Just as our two leaders, Prime Minister Rama and Prime Minister Trudeau, have forged a special bond, I believe that we should deepen the relationship between cities and people even more. I can’t wait to be in Canada very soon and to establish a good rapport at the mayoral level,” Veliaj said.
The Foreign Minister of Canada thanked Mayor Veliaj for the hospitality.
“I am very pleased to receive this wonderful gift! Thank you for your incredible leadership as Mayor of Tirana. I am convinced that Canadians, but also those of Albanian origin, are extremely proud that we are receiving this fantastic gift”, said Joly.
Political and diplomatic relations between Albania and Canada have developed even more during these years, with a direct impact on strengthening cooperation in areas of citizens’ interest.
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