Prishtina, 28 July, 2023
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, together with the Minister of Finance, Labor and Transfers, Hekuran Murati, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Hajrulla Çeku, the Minister of Local Government Administration, Elbert Krasniqi and the Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and of Sport, Daulina Osmani, and the president of the Kosovo Olympic Committee, Ismet Krasniqi, hosted today in the prime minister the Evaluation Commission of the Mediterranean Games 2030, chaired by the president Julian Pace Bonello, and accompanied by the General Secretary of the ICMG, Iakovos Filippousis.
Welcoming them to our country, he said that sports and physical activity are very important for the Government, the state of Kosovo and our society. Some of the most precious moments and pride for our country are precisely the extraordinary successes of our athletes in the international arena.
“The very idea and the possibility of organizing the Mediterranean Games in 2030 is an important occasion for us, given the positive impact it would have on our society and the development of the country”, said Prime Minister Kurti before the members of the evaluation commission, while added that the 2030 Mediterranean Games present the ideal platform to create opportunities for the development of our youth and for them to engage in sports and physical activities.
Organizing the 2030 Mediterranean Games would have a positive impact on the consolidation of the state’s image in the international arena, improvement and investment in modernized physical infrastructure, in a revived economy through the creation of new jobs and the development of sports tourism, as well as strengthening sport and its sustainable development, was said at the meeting by the delegation of the Government of Kosovo.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Kurti stated that the organization of the 2030 Mediterranean Games in Kosovo, in the 21st edition of this multi-sport event, will mark a historic moment at the regional level, considering that the last time these games were held in The Balkans was almost half a decade ago, in Split, Croatia, in 1979. He said that the Government, together with the Olympic Committee of Kosovo, are fully committed to the organization of this great sports event.
The General Secretary of the ICMG, Iakovos Filippousis, expressed his respect and gratitude for the hospitality extended to the Commission during its stay in Kosovo. He said that this visit is important for them, as it is also important to see the professionalism in the organization and the preparations being made.
Meanwhile, President Julian Pace Bonello said that they are impressed with the application submitted by Kosovo. Adding that Kosovo’s candidacy is very serious.
The 2030 Mediterranean Games marks the 21st edition of this multi-sport event which brings together athletes and citizens of 26 countries on three continents that are affected by the waters of the Mediterranean. Kosovo had officially announced its candidacy for the organization of these games at the beginning of April, during a joint conference of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, the Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Daulina Osmani and the President of the Olympic Committee of Kosovo, Ismet Krasniqi. Kosovo has become the smallest country that has ever announced its candidacy for the organization of the Mediterranean Games.
The evaluation committee of the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games (ICMG) is staying in Kosovo to review the candidacy file. They are also assessing the situation on the ground and holding meetings with institutional leaders and the sports community. The summary report of the commission will be presented at the ICMG General Assembly, to be held on September 8, 2023 in Heraklion, Greece.
Last modified: July 31, 2023