Prishtina, 03 November 2010
The Prime Minister of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi, and the Prime Minister of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, paid a visit to Prizren today afternoon. Both prime ministers initially visited the Sinan Pasha mosque at the center of Prizren which has recently been renovated by a donation from the Turkish International Agency for Cooperation and Development – “Tika”.
Prime Ministers Thaçi and Erdoğan then headed towards “Shatërvan” square at the center of town where thousands of Prizren inhabitants had gathered to greet and honor the Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi thanked the citizens of Prizren and of entire Kosovo for the outstanding reception for Prime Minister Erdoğan, who he called as the biggest supporter of the declaration of Kosovo as sovereign and independent state.
“Prime Minister Erdoğan was amongst the biggest supporters of our independence and since then he has offered support in all directions the processes of Kosovo were unfolding,” said Prime Minister Thaçi adding that the people of Kosovo will never forget the contribution of the Turkish state during the war in Kosovo and afterwards in its reconstruction and cooperation in various projects, especially in the field of cultural and historical heritage.
Prime Minister Thaçi further added that this is a special day in the rent history of the country, because for the first time in the history of Kosovo, a Turkish Prime Minister visits Kosovo. “One day before the declaration of independence, Erdoğan was one of the most powerful world leaders who called me and gave me his firm support not to delay for any more moment the declaration of Kosovo as an independent and sovereign state,” said Prime Minister Thaçi.
Prime Minster Thaçi called interstate relations between Kosovo and Turkey to be at a very high level and pledged to further advance this cooperation in the future.
Addressing the citizens gathered at the “Shatërvan” square, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said that Turkey has always been and will be a friend of Kosovo, as this country deserves more and that every world country should learn from Kosovo what coexistence of various communities really means.
“Kosovo is a very beautiful and prosperous country. The country leaders have known how to work in the processes Kosovo has gone and is going through. Turkey will keep supporting Kosovo as often as it needs,” said Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning, Mahir Yağcilar, thanked Prime Minister Erdoğan and the state of Turkey for continuously supporting Kosovo and the Turkish community in Kosovo. He promised that the Turkish community will continue to play its constructive role in helping further advancing of the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo.
Afterwards, following a solemn meeting, the Municipal Assembly of Prizren, bestowed upon Prime Minister of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan the “Citizen of Honor of Prizren” award for his contribution in support of Kosovo’s independence and for his strong support for the overall developments in the country.
The mayor of Prizren, Ramadan Muja, highly appreciated the continuous engagement of Prime Minister Erdoğan to the benefit of Kosovo saying that thanks to him our country has been recognized by several world countries.
Last modified: July 28, 2022