Prishtina, 4 November, 2024
The first Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Development and Dialogue of the Republic of Kosovo, Besnik Bislimi, held a joint press conference with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade Exchange and Humanitarian Action Cooperation of Luxembourg, Xavier Bettel.
Before the respective speeches of the parties, a Memorandum of Understanding between Kosovo and Luxembourg was signed. On the Kosovo side, the memorandum was signed by the Minister of Industry, Enterprise and Trade, Rozeta Hajdari, while on the Luxembourg side, it was signed by Deputy Prime Minister Bettel, in his capacity as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Exchange.
The Memorandum of Understanding consists of two funds to support the private sector: LuxAid Challenge and LuxAidDemonstration Funds. These two funds aim to support the local private sector to promote innovation and accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
In his address, Deputy Prime Minister Bislimi said: “In the last four years, our two states are even closer to each other. The exchanges between us and the connection between the companies of our two countries are important for the further advancement of the relations between Kosovo and Luxembourg. In Kosovo you will always find a partner country, to move together towards a growing economy. Let’s take care to fully utilize the potential offered by this cooperation of ours towards building a sustainable future for our citizens.”
For his part, Deputy Prime Minister Bettel appreciated the friendship and partnership with Kosovo, saying that this is a friendship with mutual trust. He added that during his stay in Kosovo, he will visit the implemented joint projects and Luxembourg’s investments in our country, which affect various fields. Deputy Prime Minister Bettel said that the Kosovo he sees today is not the same as it was 10 years ago and expressed that he is sure that the Kosovo after 10 years will be even more developed and progressive. “Being part of the EU is often a marathon rather than a sprint, but I am now impressed by your government’s sprint.” concluded Deputy Prime Minister Bettel.
Deputy Prime Minister Bislimi’s speech:
Dear Deputy Prime Minister Xavier Bettel,
Dear attendees,
Media representatives, dear citizens,
It is a special honor and pleasure for me to welcome back to Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister Bettel and his team, as evidence of our strong partnership and excellent bilateral relations between the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the Republic of Kosovo.
Today’s meetings and talks were another confirmation of our commitment to deepening relations and expanding opportunities for cooperation in areas of common interest. The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg has been and continues to be an unwavering supporter of Kosovo in all our state-building processes. Through various financial projects, Luxembourg has so far invested around 100 million euros in the Republic of Kosovo, thus contributing to our economic and social development and progress.
Today, Deputy Prime Minister Bettel and the Minister of Industry, Enterprise and Trade, Mrs. Hajdari, just signed the Memorandum of Understanding for two funds to support the private sector: the LuxAid Challenge and LuxAidDemonstration funds. These two funds aim to support the local private sector to promote innovation and help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. In the wake of the newly signed memorandum, our joint efforts to promote innovation within Kosovo’s private sector continue. Developing an innovation ecosystem with the support of Luxembourg provides our businesses and entrepreneurs with the tools they need to keep up with the times in the digital era.
Our ministries, together with the Luxembourg Development Agency, are implementing projects that have multiple goals: respecting democratic principles and human rights, the rule of law and good governance, improving the health system, digitization, supporting our transition towards green energy, professional training, improvement of the health sector, these fields are in complete harmony with the National Development Plan of our Republic.
Dear Deputy Prime Minister Bettel,
In the last four years, our two countries are even closer to each other. The exchanges between us and the connection between the companies of our two countries are important for the further advancement of the relations between Kosovo and Luxembourg. In Kosovo you will always find a partner country, to move together towards a growing economy. Let’s take care to fully utilize the potential offered by this cooperation of ours towards building a sustainable future for our citizens.
Many thanks once again for visiting.
Last modified: November 6, 2024