The President of Albania, Ilir Meta, has been awarded the Grand Cross Medal of the Order of Saint Charles while on an official one-day visit to Monaco.

President Meta was accompanied on his visit by Crown Prince Leka II and Princess Elia, the Albanian royal couple. Mr Meta said that the relationship between the two royal couples remains a very important bridge in strengthening relations between the two countries.

Almost exactly one year ago, on October 17, Prince Albert visited the Albanian capital, Tirana. Crown Prince Leka II (37) is a graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

ORIGINAL SOURCES: Various, including Albanian Daily News PHOTO: HSH Prince Albert greets Crown Prince Leka II and Princess Elia Albanian Daily News