Prime Minister Edi Rama welcomed the President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, this Thursday in an official meeting.

In a joint press statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Rama emphasized the support for Israel and the strengthening of cooperation between the two countries.

The head of government described the situation in Gaza as absolutely very serious and emphasized that Albania supports the ceasefire and any effort to return the Israeli hostages.

The prime minister said he hopes that the war will end soon and Israel will be stronger, in a more peaceful region.

“No Jew surrendered to the Nazis. Albania became a country where during the Second World War, Jews did not leave the country but came to find a refuge. We have been, are and will be steadfastly against any form of anti-Semitism.

We are of course very aware that what is happening in the territories where the people of Israel and Palestine live is absolutely very serious and it is something that must end as soon as possible. We are well aware that this is easier said than done. The fight against terror is much more difficult than it may seem from afar.

Albania is a big supporter of the ceasefire and any effort to bring the hostages home.

I am very inclined to emphasize that while these are very difficult times for the people of Israel and the peoples living in that territory, the future will be with a stronger Israel in a more peaceful region,” said Rama.