Prizren, 4 October 2025
The Acting Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, together with the Acting Minister of Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure, Hysen Durmishi, the Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to the Republic of Kosovo, Petrit Malaj, the Prefect of Kukës District, Dritan Baji, the Mayor of Has Municipality, Miftar Dauti, and members of parliament from both the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo and the Assembly of the Republic of Albania, inaugurated today the Gorozhup (Has of Prizren)–Pogaj cross-border road, a project implemented under the framework of agreements signed between Kosovo and Albania.
On this occasion, Prime Minister Kurti said that the inauguration of this road is of great importance for the residents of this area, as well as for mountain and cultural tourism in both of our republics of the same nation, serving as a vital artery for free movement and ever-growing exchanges.
“This is a small part of the great debt we owe to this community, which has contributed much to both our economic development and our national history,” said Prime Minister Kurti, adding that following the completion of the Kërstec–Pakishtë–Zapot road, valued at €2.6 million, the newly inaugurated Gorozhup–Pogaj road is worth nearly €1 million and extends 3.7 kilometers in length.
The newly inaugurated road connects the villages of Gorozhup and Pogaj, which have historically been one, united by family ties, traditions, and everyday life. The Prime Minister emphasized that Kosovo’s connection with Albania should not only be historical and spiritual but also physical — and that this road stands as tangible proof of concrete steps in the right direction.
The Acting Minister of Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure, Hysen Durmishi, stated that two years ago a protocol of agreements was signed for three roads: the Kërstec–Pakishtë–Zapot road, of particular importance, this very road which we are inaugurating today and which had long unjustly divided the residents, and the Dobrunë–Blinishtë road, which was also part of this agreement.
He added that the Government of Kosovo remains committed to continuing cooperation with the Republic of Albania on many other significant projects in this region. Among the most important, he mentioned the continuation of the road from Pogaj to Kishaj, then from Kishaj to Cahan, and from Cahan to Kruma. He also referred to other future joint projects to be implemented by the two governments, the Republic of Kosovo and the Republic of Albania.
Meanwhile, the Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to Kosovo, Petrit Malaj, said that by inaugurating this road on this solemn day, we are opening a new chapter for the benefit of our nation. He emphasized that the Gorozhup–Pogaj road is more than asphalt or stones — it is a bridge connecting two villages, two regions, and two sides of one nation. This investment serves as a testament to the historic and spiritual bond that has endured through the centuries.
The Mayor of Has, Miftar Dauti, thanked Prime Minister Kurti for his work, stating that today, Has fulfills its long-standing dream — the unification of Has lands. He added that we must all contribute to connecting every artery that links Has with Has, and Kosovo with Albania, because only in this way can we remove the barriers placed many years ago.
Full Speech of Prime Minister Kurti:
Honorable Acting Minister of Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure, Mr. Hysen Durmishi,
Honorable Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to Kosovo, Your Excellency Petrit Malaj,
Honorable former Ambassador of the Republic of Albania, Qemal Minxhozi,
Honorable Prefect of Kukës District, Dritan Baji,
Honorable Mayor of Has, Miftar Dauti,
Distinguished members of both our parliaments — Eduard Shalsi from the Socialist Party, Flamur Hoxha from the Democratic Party, and Artan Abrashi from Vetëvendosje,
Ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters,
Today we mark the inauguration of another road project within the framework of agreements between the Republic of Kosovo and the Republic of Albania in this border area. Following the completion of the Kërstec–Pakishtë–Zapot road, valued at €2.6 million, today we inaugurate the Gorozhup–Pogaj road, with an investment of approximately €1 million and a length of 3.7 kilometers.
This road connects two communities that have historically been one — the villages of Gorozhup and Pogaj — united by family, tradition, and everyday life. Our connection with Albania is not only historical and spiritual — it must also be physical. And in this direction, we are advancing together through concrete steps. Dear citizens and residents of these areas, congratulations — may you enjoy this road!
Prime Minister Kurti’s Statement:
We are here together with Acting Minister of Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure, Hysen Durmishi, with His Excellency, the Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to Kosovo, Petrit Malaj, with former Ambassador Qemal Minxhozi, and with esteemed members of parliament from the Socialist Party, Democratic Party, and Vetëvendosje — as well as, above all, with Has Mayor Miftar Dauti and Kukës Prefect Dritan Baji — to inaugurate this road, which is highly significant not only for the residents of this area, but also for mountain and cultural tourism in both of our republics of the same nation. It represents a vital artery for free movement and expanding exchanges.
This is a small part of the great debt we owe to this community, which has contributed immensely to both our economic development and national history.
After completing the Kërstec–Pakishtë–Zapot road, valued at €2.6 million, we are now inaugurating the Gorozhup–Pogaj road, valued at nearly €1 million and extending 3.7 kilometers. This road connects the historically unified villages of Gorozhup and Pogaj, linked by family, tradition, and daily life. Thus, our connection with Albania, in addition to being historical and spiritual, must also be physical — and this road is a clear demonstration of concrete progress in the right direction.
I extend my congratulations to all my colleagues from politics in Kosovo and Albania, and especially to the local residents, who will benefit from and enjoy this road. I hope that many visitors will come to see these beautiful mountains and stay here — for the benefit of both the eyes and the health.
Congratulations to all!
