TIRANA, Dec. 6 – Turkey’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mevlà¼t à‡avuŠŸoÄŸlu, was awarded the title Doctor Honoris Causa on Monday in Tirana. The ceremony, organized by the Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, in cooperation with the University of Tirana, was attended by Albanian President Ilir Meta, who said the award was another indicator of the two countries’ excellent relations.
à‡avuŠŸoÄŸlu visited Albania in the context of the Mehmet Ersoy University’s award distribution ceremony in the fields of Science and Art. After receiving his award, à‡avuŠŸoÄŸlu held a speech in during which he restated Turkey’s support of Albania and highlighted Turkey’s desire for Albania’s support in the fight against the FETO organization, which Turkish authorities say organized last year’s military coup in Turkey.
“I am transmitting President’s Recep Tayyip ErdoÄŸan message. A stable Albania means a strong Turkey. We support Albania and offer our support for our friend, which is part of NATO. We feel at home in Albania,” à‡avuŠŸoÄŸlu said.
Meta also spoke of the excellent strategic relations between Albania and Turkey, relations that extend in all fields, starting from economic and trading relations to the relations in some of the most delicate subjects, such as that of state security.
“Not only are both countries NATO members, but they have also contributed to the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, which is a serious threat to the stability and peace of our countries and the prosperity of our citizens,” Meta said.
The ceremony distributed awards in the fields of education, culture and science, in cooperation with Maarif Foundation. Rectors from the University of Tirana and Mehmet Akif Ersoy also held speeches honoring the awarded.
