The meeting took place as part of World Interfaith Harmony Week.

During the talks, Begaj described the centre, based in the central Albanian city of Elbasan, as a model for promoting shared values and civic virtue, praising its work across religious differences for the benefit of society.

He encouraged the centre to continue its activities aimed at safeguarding interfaith coexistence and understanding, which he described as a national value, through dialogue, communication, engagement with young people and opposition to all forms of intolerance and discrimination.

“No one can better represent the harmony and understanding that exist among different faiths and the spirit of cooperation between them,” Begaj said, adding that while Albania has inherited a tradition of religious coexistence, efforts are needed to pass it on to future generations.

Participants underlined that Albania has long been regarded as a model of religious tolerance and fraternal relations among faiths, but stressed that this should not be taken for granted and requires continued work, particularly with younger generations.

The head of state said he would continue to support initiatives and organisations that seek to preserve, promote and educate citizens about national values, including interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence.

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