Interfaith leaders met in Albania at roundtable discussions, marking an unprecedented event that included various influential figures for the first time in Albania's history.
The Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL), Mohammad al-Issa, chaired a delegation to Tirana, where several Albanian ministers and religious and official figures received them.
Issa said in his speech that Albania presented an inspiring model for the coexistence of its religious diversity, which has become an integral part of the values of the Albanian people.
He asserted that countries of religious and ethnic diversity needed to share this inspiring experience.
The roundtable meeting was followed by a joint dinner in his honor, in the presence of a senior Albanian minister and diplomats, led by Saudi Ambassador Faisal bin Ghazi Hefzi and the Vatican Ambassador.
The President of Albania, Bajram Begaj, received the Secretary-General at the Presidential Palace, where he was awarded the highest medal in Albania, 'The State Order for World-Renowned Spiritual Figures.'
During the meeting, they discussed topics of common interest and emphasized the role of the MWL in serving humanity.
Albania's head of the Islamic Sheikhdom and the Grand Mufti asked Sheikh Issa to deliver a Friday sermon in the historic mosque, which is more than 200 years old.
In his sermon, Issa spoke about the values of Islam and Muslim behavior, recalling the biography of Prophet Mohammed as a role model that embodies the values of Islam.
After that, the Secretary-General gave two separate lectures to academics and students in Tirana, in which he spoke about Islamic thought: "its roots,its reality," and its "fortification," explaining important rules in reading the texts of the Qur'an, the Sunnah, and legal, intellectual, and historical writings.
The two lectures considered the diversity of discourse according to the need between "academics" and "students" and were translated into Albanian.
The Islamic Sheikhdom, which has 35 Fatwa Houses, also hosted the Secretary-General at its headquarters.
The President of the Sheikhdom welcomed Issa to the Balkans, congratulating the tremendous success of the League's Conference to promote peace and coexistence in the Balkans, notably the comprehensive positive response that the "Sarajevo Declaration" received.
He lauded the League's efforts and its great Islamic message in promoting coexistence and its outstanding efforts in confronting various forms of hatred, extremism, and Islamophobia.
The President stressed the League's value among Muslims around the world, and Islamic minorities in particular, noting that its efforts had a significant impact in enhancing their positive presence and coexistence in their countries.
For his part, Issa said that the League was established by Muslims, asserting its pride in serving them, especially the Islamic sheikhdoms, which bear a great responsibility and a pivotal role in promoting the values of Islam.
Later, the League Sec-Gen discussed several topics of common interest with the Speaker, Lindita Nikolla.
Nikolla expressed the Republic of Albania's profound appreciation for the visit by the League, highlighting its significant role in advancing peace and fostering religious and cultural coexistence among varied communities.
Issa conveyed his pleasure in visiting Albania, lauding it as a prime example of international excellence in embracing national and particularly religious diversity.
He further stressed that Islam categorically rejects all forms of concepts and theories that promote conflict and civilizational clashes.
Also, during his visit to Tirana, Issa met Prime Minister Edi Rama on Wednesday and discussed topics of common interest.
During the meeting, the two parties explored several topics of mutual interest, and Rama commended the MWL's global efforts in promoting harmony among diverse societies.
The Prime Minister invited the MWL to organize an international conference in Tirana to foster understanding and cooperation among civilizations. It aims to enhance global awareness of religious, ethnic, and cultural diversity, drawing on Albania's experience.
After his official visit, the Secretary-General received the "Foundation Shield," a symbol of preserving Islamic identity in Albania and the Balkans.
He visited the Sharia school in Tirana, founded 100 years ago, and went through difficult periods in the region's history.
Issa urged the students and teachers to continue the school's historical journey and to arm themselves with knowledge and awareness to serve their country, their nation, and the great message of Islam.
