Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama was in the spotlight on Wednesday during a closely watched Q&A session at the Delphi Economic Forum, where, among others, he addressed his recent controversial statements regarding ancient philosopher Plato and other Greece-related quips.

Rama said his controversial comment was meant in a humorous manner and as a way to lighten the tone of a panel discussion in the Gulf months ago. Among others, Rama attempted to explain that his remark suggesting modern Greeks are not descendants of Plato was intended as a playful jab at the event’s moderator and not as a serious statement about Hellenic culture or history.

He also stressed that he had no intention of undermining the value or richness of Greece’s cultural heritage, adding that the comment was simply an attempt at light-heartedness in a setting where participants, Greeks or Albanians, can sometimes take themselves too seriously, as he said.

Responding to a question that he had appeared antagonistic during the interview, Rama rejected the characterization, saying he holds great admiration for Greece and suggested that the issue was more a case of humor not landing well within the tone of the conversation.

Returning to the modern day, Rama appeared irritated when asked about the case of former Himara mayor and current MEP Fredi Beleri. He questioned why the discussion turned to the specific issue, noting that other mayors in Albania accused of offenses remain imprisoned while Beleri has already been released after a conviction.

At the same time, Rama emphasized his strong intention to resolve outstanding issues between Greece and Albania. He indicated that an agreement to refer the maritime delimitation dispute to the International Court of Justice could be reached as early as this autumn, noting that bilateral talks have made significant progress.

In essence, he said both sides have long agreed not to let disputes escalate and should instead move toward settling pending matters, with the ambition of finalizing an agreement within the year and announcing a full deal in the fall.

Rama also pointed to advanced discussions between the two countries’ foreign ministers, adding that Tirana has no objection to taking the issue to The Hague.

Finally, he rejected accusations of attempts to appropriate properties belonging to members of the ethnic Greek minority in southern Albania, arguing that a restitution system faces similar problems for all citizens, regardless of whether they are of Albanian or Greek origin.