Presheva and Bujanovac, 5 September 2022
The First Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Development and Dialogue of the Republic of Kosovo, Besnik Bislimi, together with the Minister of the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Arbërie Nagavci, was received in the Albanian National Council. First, the meeting was held with the Chairman of the Council, Ragmi Mustafi, and then with the MP Shaip Kamberi.
A warm reception was organized for Mr Bislimi and Ms Nagavci by the Albanian National Council. In these meetings, they jointly discussed the special attention of the Government to the Presheva Valley. With the Chairman Ragmi Mustafi, Mr Bislimi emphasized the allocated fund of 2 million euros for the Valley throughout this year, with the aim of improving and investing in cultural life, preserving and maintaining cultural and historical heritage, as well as supporting projects, trainings and programs of interest to the youth. In the Presheva Valley, an equal and symmetrical approach to the treatment of the Albanian community is vital.
Of particular importance was the help provided by the Government for providing, securing and financing textbooks for primary schools for the students of the Valley. Deputy Prime Minister Bislimi said that we are aware that this help is positive, but not enough, emphasizing that it is necessary to continue the cooperation for the provision of textbooks for high school students. We must expand this cooperation beyond the field of education. Engaging young people and creating opportunities for them for education and employment is essential.
Chairman Mustafi thanked the Government of the Republic of Kosovo for its dedication and commitment. He also mentioned the importance of dealing with the issue of the Presheva Valley in the dialogue with Serbia. The issue of the Presheva Valley should be internationalized and vital problems, such as the depopulation of these areas, the framework convention for the guarantee of rights and the law for minorities, should be addressed.
Meanwhile, in the meeting with MP Shaip Kamberi, they talked about reciprocity and handling the issue and the rights of Albanians in the Valley, the need to increase the presence of the Government of Kosovo, the risk of depopulation, census and recognition of diplomas.
In the framework of this visit, Deputy Prime Minister Bislimi was also received at a working lunch by the political leaders of Presheva, with whom he discussed their concerns for the Albanian community in the Valley and the expansion of interaction with Presheva.
Deputy Prime Minister Bislimi expressed his commitment to increasing support, cooperation, possible projects in the future and the collective advancement of the rights of the Valley.
Last modified: September 6, 2022