Pristina, July 11, 2011
Honorable President Jahjaga,
Honorable Deputy Ministers
Honorable Ministers,
Honorable U.S. Ambassador Dell,
Honorable Ambassador of Turkey, Ozan,
Limak Group representative, Sezai Bacaksiz,
Representatives of Vakifbank,
Dear guests,
On behalf of the Government of Kosovo, I greet you on this great day for the Republic of Kosovo.
I take the pleasure in attending today at the inauguration of the commencement of investments in Pristina International Airport “Adem Jashari” by the Turkish-French consortium Limak Kosova Aeroport Lion, as foreseen by contract.
I am here today to prove the full support of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo on the overall development of the country. The Government of Kosovo with its engagements not only that it has not been lacking in commitment and support for this project but it has been a powerful support.
The successful implementation of the public-private partnership in Pristina International Airport “Adem Jashari” testified that the Government of the Republic of Kosovo is successfully materializing its goals towards the economical growth and the improvement of the life of its citizens. I have stated beforehand as well that public-private partnerships are a key component to the implementation of our strategies on Kosovo’s sustainable economical growth.
Investments implemented and those to be implemented in Pristina International Airport “Adem Jashari” will be propulsive towards the country’s economical development and of the wellbeing of the Kosovar people.
These partnerships will also include other important sectors for the economy of Kosovo.
The successful example of this project proves that the Government of the Republic of Kosovo is committed and working to enable the incorporation of the private capital in infrastructural projects in order to minimize the gap between public resources available and the necessary infrastructural services as well as in order to ensure that these services are provided efficiently and on a best favorable cost for all citizens of the Republic of Kosovo.
This is a good example of a healthy and sustainable partnership between the Government and the private sector as well as a clear indicator for foreign investors.
The inauguration today is the beginning of the expansion of services and opportunities to be provided by Pristina International Airport “Adem Jashari”. The expansion of the airport premises with a new and modern terminal building, with airport spaces will enable the accommodation of a larger number of passengers and of new airlines enabling a good and wider communication with Europe and the entire world.
Through these investments Kosovo will have an airport of international quality and services and, on the other hand, these public-private partnerships will further contribute to the increase of Kosovo budget.
The Government of Kosovo will continue its commitment and will perform all its duties in relation to this project, and the private partner, the Turkish-French consortium Limak Kosova – Aeroport De-Lyon, will have the full and continued support of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo.
Allow me to once again thank all our international partners for their continued support and the best possible advice, the USAID, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the European Commission.
