Turkish diplomat honored by Albania

Albanian President Bamir Topi yesterday honored Turkey 's former ambassador to NATO for supporting Albania 's successful bid to join the Alliance . Abassador Tacan Ildem, together with Stefano Stefanini and Thrasyvoulos Terry Stamatopoulos, Italy and Greece 's ambassadors to NATO, was decorated with Albania 's medal of honor at a ceremony in Tirana. Topi cited the importance of hearty support from Turkey , Italy and Greece in Albania joining NATO last year. Ildem, currently the Foreign Ministry's chief of international security affairs, said he was proud to receive the medal, hailing Albania 's contributions to the alliance and to efforts to ensure peace in the region.