KOSOVO

Political dialogue: The cooperation between the two countries is considered excellent and fraternal. Albania was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Kosova on February 17, 2008 and on February 19, 2008 established diplomatic relations.

Bilateral cooperation is guided by the national interest to deepen the political, economic, social and cultural interaction and to advance the integration process in the European Union, as a fundamental unifying project of the Albanian space in the service of its peace, stability and prosperity.

The cooperation between our two countries is considered strategic, stabilizing for the region and orienting for the Euro-Atlantic perspective. The high-level visits and contacts clearly show the political will for a closer partnership in all areas.

The nine Intergovernmental Meetings (G2G) clearly prove the political will of both countries and the willingness to advance the cooperation between them based on the agreements signed during these meetings. At the ninth meeting, 14 documents (agreements, memoranda and declarations) were signed, which serve to further concretize the deepening of the strategic partnership and bilateral and regional cooperation, with the aim of improving the lives of our citizens.

Albania supports and is working to strengthen political-diplomatic action for Kosova’s membership in regional forums and initiatives and international organizations, as well as in the process of advancing recognition. The advancement of the integration agenda in the EU will bring about the sustainable progress of the country and the consolidation of democratic processes in Kosova.

The further extension of joint diplomatic missions is evaluated, aiming to focus on the development of economic diplomacy as a primary need for both countries.

Economic and commercial cooperation: We appreciate the steps taken so far with Kosova in the framework of the unification of markets, the removal of trade barriers, infrastructure and energy interconnection, which are a good premise for promoting our interests within the Berlin Process for a market regional common.

Tourism remains constantly growing and an important contributor to the economies of both countries. We are pleased to note the increase in the flow of visitors to Kosova.

In recent years there has been an increase in the trade exchange between the two countries in exports and imports. Agreements on the implementation of customs facilities and the avoidance of double taxation are helping to facilitate the total circulation of people and goods between the two countries and increase economic development. However, the possibilities are many times greater.

Kosova-Serbia Dialogue: The Republic of Albania, assesses that the Kosova-Serbia Dialogue is the only path to peace and that the time has come for Kosova and Serbia to overcome the current impasse in their dialogue and work courageously towards a comprehensive peace agreement, supported by the EU and the USA, to enable mutual recognition between the two countries, Kosova’s membership in the UN and the EU, as well as fair treatment of minorities, in accordance with the Constitution of Kosova.

Dialogue is not only the best way, but the only and indispensable way to deal with these issues, however difficult they may seem and however complex they may be.