The President of the Republic, Ilir Meta honored on Thursday Sister Odette Marquet with "Mother Teresa" Decoration, in a solemn ceremony attended by Catholic Church clergy, ambassadors, academics and personalities of medicine, art and culture.

Marquet is a Catholic missionary, a good acquaintance of the Albanian language, translator and researcher of the Illyrian and Christian roots of Albanians.

The President appreciated especially her contribute during Kosovo’s exodus in 1999, a contribute which continues even today for people in need.

"In recognition of the humanitarian support provided to Kosovo Albanians during their exodus in Albania in the spring of 1999, continuing this mission today to help people in need. For its valuable contribution through studies and translations for the recognition and dissemination of Albanian culture around the world, as well as for its research work in foreign archives, unearthing many documents on the history of the Albanian people,” said Meta.

Meta also thanked the Sister Odette for her contribute in promoting Albanian unique values of dialogue, cohabitation and interfaith tolerance.