TIRANA, June 26 /ATA-By Maela Marini/ – Albania and Kosovo signed two cooperation agreements on Friday aimed at strengthening collaboration in agriculture and rural development, focusing on agricultural advisory services, innovation and the promotion of agri-food products.
The agreements were signed in Tirana during a visit by Kosovo’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development, Armend Muja.
Speaking at a joint news conference, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla said the agreements build on commitments made during a meeting in Prishtina in April and are intended to translate bilateral cooperation into practical initiatives benefiting farmers and agri-food businesses in both countries.
One agreement provides for cooperation on agricultural advisory services, technology transfer and innovation, with the aim of modernising the sector through knowledge-sharing, digitalisation and improved support services for farmers.
The second agreement focuses on the joint marketing and promotion of agri-food products, seeking to improve the competitiveness of Albanian and Kosovo products, expand their presence in regional and international markets, coordinate promotional activities and trade fairs, and encourage cooperation between businesses in the two countries.
Salla said agriculture remains a strategic sector for both Albania and Kosovo because of its contribution to economic growth, rural development, employment and food security.
He added that the agreements would also create new opportunities for joint participation in European Union-funded projects and expressed confidence they would deliver long-term benefits for the agri-food sector in both countries.
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