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Ambassador Stefano Palumbo hosts annual reception on the occasion of the Solemnity of St. John the Baptist

Ambassador Stefano Palumbo hosts annual reception on the occasion of the Solemnity of St. John the Baptist
28/06/2015

A reception was held at the gardens of the Hotel Rogner in Tirana on the occasion of the Solemnity of St. John the Baptist, Patron Saint of the Sovereign Order of Malta. Representatives of the Albanian institutions participated along with the diplomatic corps accredited in Albania, representatives of religious faiths and friends and sympathizers of the Order.

The ceremony began with national anthems, followed by the Ambassador’s  greetings to all those present. The Ambassador spoke about the important bilateral cooperation for over 20 years between the Order and Albania in humanitarian and hospital activities. The Ambassador confirmed the will to continue with this approach as already advocated by His Most Eminent Highness the Prince and Grand Master Fra ‘Matthew Festing during the historic official visit to Tirana in January 2015.

Among the over 100 participants, the Ambassador welcomed the Ambassadors of Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Russia, Republic of China, Egypt, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, Brazil, Denmark and the Ambassador of the European Union Delegation.

The representatives of the Catholic Church included, among others, His Excellency the Archbishop of Tirana and Durres Mons. Rrok Mirdita and His Excellency the Bishop of Sapa Mons. Lucjan Avgustini.

His Excellency Asti Bakallbashi, Bishop of the Orthodox Church of Albania, was also present, representing His Beatitude the Archbishop of Tirana and Durres Anastasios, head of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania.

The institutional authorities present included the Minister of Health H.E. Mr. Ilir Beqaj, the Diplomatic Advisor to the President of the Republic Ambassador Valter Ibrahimi, representatives of the cabinet of the President of the Republic, of the Prime Minister, of the Foreign Ministry and the Parliament.

Finally, many volunteers of the Albanian Order of Malta attended the reception, along with university professors, intellectuals and journalists.

The reception was filmed by national television News Now, that sent an introductory video of the ceremony and an interview with the Ambassador.

Category:  News