TIRANA, October 9 /ATA/ – Albania’s ambassador-designate to Kosovo Denion Meidani presented his vision for promoting cooperation between the two countries to the Committee on European and Foreign Affairs today, emphasizing that “Kosovo is a priority of our foreign policy and, above all, a strong, daily bridge between the two states of one nation.”
Meidani outlined his diplomatic priorities across various sectors, focusing on economic cooperation and noting that Kosovo is the second-largest market for Albanian exports. According to him, over 1,600 businesses with Kosovar capital currently operate in Albania, with their investments in the country reaching 550 million euros.
Regarding security, Meidani highlighted that Albania’s Armed Forces have 128 troops deployed with KFOR, organized into four contingents in Peja. “We are part of a trilateral defense declaration with Croatia and have initiated cooperation in the defense industry,” he added.
As Albania advances on its path toward EU membership, Meidani emphasized that, “Our experience on the road to membership should become a shared experience.”
According to him, Albania will encourage dialogue and cooperation among all political forces, particularly regarding issues of national interest and Euro-Atlantic integration.
Meidani also identified the recognition of Kosovo’s independence by five EU member states—Cyprus, Greece, Romania, Slovakia and Spain—as another challenge during his term.
He expressed the need for more joint projects with clear timelines and results that Albanians can see and feel.
According to him, the creation of an economic area free of barriers will be a priority. In this regard, Meidani highlighted that Durrës-Pristina railway remains a strategic project.
“This is a connection we have long dreamed of and must now turn into a concrete plan. The first step was a joint study within the European transport network. Albania’s EU accession will introduce new rules at our shared border,” he said.
Meidani proposed the concept of a joint tourism strategy, featuring the shared promotion of offers specifically tailored to families from Kosovo. Meidani also addressed cooperation in the fields of culture and innovation, proposing initiatives for mandatory school field trips between Albania and Kosovo.
Meidani proposed the production of a new film about Skanderbeg as part of cultural projects aimed at promoting national identity and values.
Furthermore, he proposed new partnerships between the universities and Academies of Sciences of both countries, as well as a joint health fund. /p.s./
