Albania’s First Lady, Odeta Nishani, met with Church leaders Elder Patrick Kearon, first counselor in the Europe Area Presidency, and Tirana Albania Stake President Medlir Mema of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Friday 19 September 2014, in the Church meeting house in Durrës. They exchanged ideas on humanitarian efforts in Albania. They also discussed the importance of families and moral values in society and the benefits of strengthening interfaith relationships.
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“It was a privilege to meet with the First Lady,” stated Elder Kearon. “We spent a marvelous morning together, learning about the rich diversity of culture and people in Albania. We acquainted her with activities of our Church and shared our desires to serve the people of Albania. Mrs. Nishani was engaging and attentive and we look forward to continued warm associations here in this lovely country.”
Children of Church member families in the Durrës congregation welcomed the First Lady with the song “I am a Child of God” and presented her with a bouquet of autumn flowers. Smiling, the First Lady thanked the young performers.
She was hosted on a tour of the building and introduced to local Church leaders who explained various activities of this Christian religion, particularly those programmes to strengthen the youth and the family. Of special emphasis also was the Church’s women’s organisation which has one of the largest global memberships of any other women’s organisation worldwide. Elder Kearon presented the First Lady with a book highlighting the Church’s on-going humanitarian projects throughout Albania.
Following the tour, Odeta Nishani and the Church leaders attended a luncheon in Tirana. They were joined by Dr. Marjeta Capi, Tirana Albania Stake Public Affairs Director, and Bishop Artan Dervishi of the Tirana First Ward. As a token of gratitude for her visit and her devoted service to the people of Albania, the First Lady received a sculpture of a family. Graciously thanking those present, Odeta Nishani expressed her enjoyment of the day’s events.