Albanian archbishop visits Damascus

Archbishop Anistasius of Tirana and the Whole Albania for the Greek Orthodox church arrived in Damascus on Wednesday evening on a visit which will last for five days.

At Damascus airport the visiting archbishop was welcomed by Patriarch Ignatius IV Hazim of Antioch and the whole east for the Greek Orthodox church.

In an arrival statement to SANA, the visiting archbishop expressed his high appreciation for the state of national unity and coexistence among all religions. He added, "I congratulate the friendly people of Syria over this unity which shows the openness and the awareness the Syrians have."

He added that his visit to Damascus will avail him the chance to become closely acquainted with this unique Syrian experience concerning coexistence among religions and to benefit from this experience in Albanian society.