Albanian President Ilir Meta expressed his sadness for the death of Socialist MP and former Premier Bashkim Fino. Meta wrote Fino was one of his closest friends and a model citizen and family member.

"Bashkim Fino was one of my best friends and will remain. At a very young age, he became an inspiring figure, as Mayor of Gjirokastra, was also the basis of his selection among many candidacies in ‘97 to create a government of reconciliation and stability. A task he did exceptionally well, as we all know how divided the country was.

I have special memories with him, he was a supporter of young people and a sports figure, dedicated to sports, that also united us. He was very human, very generous, very tolerant and knew how to separate political relations from human relations. A shocking moment that of his death even though he had some health challenges which he had successfully won,” said Meta.