Brussels, 2 May 2023
Today in Brussels, at the headquarters of the World Customs Organization (WCO), the first deputy prime minister for European Integration, Development and Dialogue of the Republic of Kosovo, Besnik Bislimi, was welcomed in a meeting by the Secretary General of this organization, Kunio Mikuriya.
General Secretary Mikuriya informed Deputy Prime Minister Bislimi about the visit to Kosovo last week, stressing that he had a fruitful stay in the country. He further praised all the meetings held and added that he is impressed with the developments in Kosovo and the will of Kosovo’s government institutions for important reforms, including customs ones.
The achievements in Kosovo were also positively evaluated, adding that the OBD will provide continuous support for Kosovo in the development and advancement of support capacities within human resources according to the OBD programs.
Further, he shared the common goal of advancing the cooperation between the OBD and Kosovo in facilitating trade and circulation of goods and passengers, increasing cooperation with all relevant sectors and at the same time committed to preventing illegal trade.
Deputy Prime Minister Bislimi thanked him for the time spent on his recent visit to Kosovo, considering it as important and of particular weight. He also thanked him for the high assessment of Kosovo’s achievements and for the support provided in order to increase capacities and strengthen cooperation.
The Government of the Republic of Kosovo is and will continue to be committed to its goal of implementing reforms according to international standards. It was emphasized the importance and key role that the Customs of Kosovo has for the state and that the evaluations of the OBD for its achievements, which also serve as a model for other customs administrations, are welcome.
The parties agreed that the cooperation between the OBD and Kosovo will continue to be deepened and the forms of cooperation will be further expanded.
Last modified: May 2, 2023