Greek President in Albania

At a joint press conference, the Greek president stated that the two countries should build their relations on what unites them, and noted that "the Greek ethnic minority is a stable element of friendship and cooperation between our countries." The Greeks of Albania, he added, "are among the most dynamic sectors of Albanian politics and the country's economic and social policy, whose rights we all agree must be respected."

Mr. Papoulias, on a three-day official visit to the country since Sunday, noted that he and his counterpart reviewed issues of bilateral cooperation on energy, calling it "an important aspect of our bilateral relations," adding that the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP)"creates new impetus for regional energy influence."

"I have assured the president of Albania that Greece, during its EU presidency, will actively promote Albania's accession process,as it has done in the past," the Greek president said.

Calling Mr. Papoulias "a great friend of Albanians" for his personal contributions, Nishani requested that the Greek president help out so that "the Greek parliament cancels the law that is still in effect of a state of war between the two countries which is keeping Albanian nationals' property in Greece under provisional seizure and to (help) recall all relevant laws which also go againstse article 15 of the bilateral friendship agreement."

Nishani also expressed his concern over the "still-unresolved issue of location names" and said that the delineation of sea borders remained unresolved. "We are prepared to find a solution in the framework of international law and the domestic regulations of every country," he added.

"This meeting was an opportunity to exchange views on recent developments in the area," the Albanian president noted. "Albania still believes that the Greek government will evaluate positively the recognition of Kosovo, with political will and to the benefit of peace and stability in the area."

Mr. Papoulias also met successively with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Parliament President Ilir Meta and participated in a Greek-Albanian forum on economy and energy issues.

On Tuesday, the Greek president will hold talks with Tirana mayor Lulzim Basha and will then travel to Klisura, where he will lay a wreath at the monument of Greek soldiers who died during World War II. Later, the Greek president will visit Gjirokaster and other areas inhabited by the Greek minority.