Prime Minister Kurti welcomed by Croatian Prime Minister Plenković during an official visit; agreements of significance signed between Kosovo and Croatia

Zagreb, 13 December 2024

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, was warmly received by the Prime Minister of Croatia, Andrej Plenkovic.

Initially, in a tête-à-tête meeting and subsequently with their respective delegations, Prime Minister Kurti and Prime Minister Plenkovic discussed the excellent bilateral relations between the states and peoples of the two countries. They also deliberated on the agreements signed today and potential new agreements that would expand cooperation in the fields of justice, culture and education.

Recently, a commitment was signed in Croatia to establish the “Milan Sufflay” Center for Albanological Studies at the University of Zadar. The “Milan Sufflay” Center for Albanological Studies will serve as a research platform to promote the Albanian language, history, archaeology, and culture, dedicating a special place to the legacy of the distinguished historian and Albanologist Milan Sufflay.

Central to their discussion was also economic cooperation and trade exchanges, where they explored opportunities and potential areas for foreign investments. Prime Minister Kurti informed his counterpart about Kosovo’s offer to foreign investors, alongside the country’s sustainable economic development, democratic progress, institutional stability, and improvements in the rule of law achieved in recent years.

He expressed his gratitude for Croatia’s continuous support of Kosovo in the international arena, particularly regarding its membership and integration into international organizations, as well as for cooperation in the field of defense.

Prime Minister Kurti also briefed Croatian Prime Minister Plenković on recent developments in the country, emphasizing the terrorist attack of November 29, which targeted the civilian population by damaging critical infrastructure, and thanks to the swift and professional response of the relevant institutions in mitigating the damages, disruptions or difficulties in essential services such as electricity, water, and telecommunications, as well as disruptions to social, civil, economic, and institutional life, were prevented. He shared with his counterpart details about the attack, whose methods and execution, along with the confiscation of weapons, uniforms, and military insignia – most of which originated from Serbia and 20 others from Russia – indicate the involvement of external actors.

At the conclusion of the meeting, agreements were signed for:

– Social security and the Implementation Protocol;
– Recognition and exchange of driver’s licenses;
– Cooperation in protection against natural, technical, and technological disasters;
– A Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation between our forensic agencies;
– A Memorandum of Understanding between the Croatian Police Academy and the Kosovo Academy for Public Safety to strengthen collaboration in the fields of education and scientific research.

In his statement to the media following the bilateral meeting, Prime Minister Kurti said:

“For us, Croatia is a key regional partner and a reference point for development. We are grateful for the continued support of the Croatian people, not only before the war, during the war, and afterward, but also during the stages of Kosovo’s independence and our international consolidation. I thank Croatia for its active contribution to the security of Kosovo and peace in the region through Croatian soldiers who are part of the NATO mission in Kosovo, KFOR. The values, perspectives, and shared history we hold are our responsibility to translate into well-being for our citizens and the development of our two countries. We achieve this best through economic cooperation and collaboration between the younger generations – Croatian students, Albanian students, and others from both our countries.”

During the meeting, Prime Minister Kurti was accompanied by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Svecla; the Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship, and Trade, Rozeta Hajdari; the Minister of Finance, Labor, and Transfers, Hekuran Murati; and the Ambassador of Kosovo to Croatia, Martin Berishaj.

Throughout the day, the Prime Minister is also scheduled to meet with the President of Croatia, Zoran Milanovic, and the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament, Gordan Jandrokovic.

The full statement of Prime Minister Kurti at the joint press conference with Prime Minister Plenkovic:

“Today, we are conducting an important official visit here in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia.

On behalf of the people of Kosovo and the Government of the Republic, I express my profound gratitude to the Government of Croatia for the invitation and warm hospitality.

We began this visit with a heartfelt meeting with my friend and the friend of the state of Kosovo, your Prime Minister, the Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic.

Together with him and our respective delegations, we discussed the excellent relations we share, as well as new opportunities for cooperation between our two countries.

The discussions, the will, and the readiness we always have for collaboration were today translated into agreements between our two countries, which will further strengthen mutual ties and enhance the well-being of our citizens.

These agreements that were signed include:

– The Agreement on Social Security and the respective implementation protocol;
– Recognition and exchange of driver’s licenses;
– Cooperation in protection against natural, technical, and technological disasters;
– We also signed a Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation between our forensic agencies;
– A Memorandum of Understanding between the Croatian Police Academy and the Kosovo Academy for Public Safety to strengthen collaboration in the fields of education and scientific research.

Kosovo and Croatia share a sincere friendship, a strong partnership, and a healthy alliance, built on shared democratic values, a commitment to peace and security in the region, and a clear Euro-Atlantic orientation.

Croatia, with its courageous example and its people who fought and shed blood for liberation, is an inspiration to all nations aspiring to freedom, independence, democracy, integration, economic development, and well-being for their citizens. In this regard, we are also proud of the Albanians who participated in Croatia’s liberation struggle – 2,832 in total – of whom 87 were killed and five remain missing. There are two generals from Kosovo who took part in the liberation struggle, Rrahim Ademi and Agim Ceku, while Tomë Berisha, in September 1991, in Gospic, formed the Brigade of Albanian Fighters, which included figures such as Nevxhet Haziri and Fehmi Lladrovci.

So, we have been together much earlier and in far more difficult circumstances than those we have and enjoy in this century.

For us, Croatia is a key regional partner and a reference point for development. We are grateful for the continuous support of the Croatian people, not only before the war, during the war, and afterward, but also during the stages of Kosovo’s independence and our international consolidation.

I thank Croatia for its active contribution to the security of Kosovo and peace in the region through Croatian soldiers who are part of the NATO mission in Kosovo, KFOR.

The values, perspectives, and shared history we hold are our responsibility to translate into well-being for our citizens and the development of our two countries. We achieve this best through economic cooperation and collaboration between the younger generations – Croatian students, Albanian students, and others from both our countries.

Trade exchanges between Kosovo and Croatia recorded an increase last year, demonstrating both the willingness for cooperation and the potential for further exchange. Therefore, today I am in Zagreb together with the Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship, and Trade, and together with Prime Minister Plenković, we will have a meeting at the Croatian Chamber of Commerce to discuss the opportunities ahead for greater economic cooperation and partnerships between producers in our countries, as well as increased exchanges between Croatian and Kosovar businesses.

Thank you.

Last modified: December 17, 2024