Diplomat, former MP and publicist Bashkim Zeneli has passed away at the age of 78. He passed away in a hospital abroad.
Zeneli was a journalist, a member of the Albanian Parliament, and our country's ambassador to Germany and Greece. He was also one of the early intellectuals of the Socialist Party, contributing to the political and institutional life of the country.
During his diplomatic career, he made a significant contribution to strengthening Albania's relations with its neighbors and international partners. Through his writings and memoirs, Zeneli also left valuable evidence for the history of Albanian diplomacy.
In 2018, then-President Ilir Meta awarded Zeneli the high title of "Grand Master" for his special and prominent contribution to the field of foreign policy, as a journalist, publicist, member of the Albanian Parliament and Ambassador to important countries, as well as for his dedication to the national issue and Albania's Euro-Atlantic integration.
"His commitment as ambassador to Germany during the Kosovo crisis will remain special and extraordinary in the service of this major issue," Meta would say, praising Zenel's contribution.