Ljubljana, June 6th, 2016 – The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi, was received by his counterpart, Borut Pahor on the first day of his official visit to the Republic of Slovenia, where he confirmed that, after its internal political consolidation, Kosovo now turns its focus to strengthening the economy.
“I am very glad to pay my first bilateral visit to Slovenia as president of the Republic of Kosovo. I am particularly glad to be here with you shortly before you will mark the 25th anniversary of Slovenia’s independence. Let me congratulate all of you, the Slovenian citizens, the President of Slovenia, the Government and Parliament on the occasion of this important date for the Slovenian state”, President Thaçi said during the meeting with the Slovenian President Borut Pahor.
The head of state stressed that Slovenia has been and will always be a supporter and friend of Kosovo and that the two countries enjoy exemplary bilateral relations, something which, he said, is illustrated by the signing of eleven agreements at political, economic and cultural level.
“Slovenia is the second largest investor in Kosovo. I thank President Pahor and the Slovenian Government for the continued support for Kosovo, even now as we remain committed to strengthening the subjectivity of our state through new recognitions and membership in international multilateral organizations”, President Thaçi said.
He said that Kosovo has consolidated itself as a state, both internally and externally, that the northern part of the country is integrated, adding that Kosovo is making continued economic growth. Also, President Thaçi recalled that the government has drafted the Law on Strategic Investment, and he singled out the signing of the Stabilization and Association Agreement, the recommendation for visa liberalization as well as the obtainment of candidate status of Millenium Challenge Corporation (MCC) funds. Thaçi said that these achievements are evidence of the reforms being carried out in the economy, politics and the rule of law.
President Thaçi said the country is on the verge of establishing the Armed Forces of Kosovo.
Thaçi stressed that Kosovo remains a leader in the region with regard to combating violent extremism and terrorism, saying that the country deserves membership in Interpol.
President Thaçi also said that Kosovo remains a factor of stability in the region, while the dialogue with Serbia has reflected positively in the Western Balkans.
“The future of the region is in NATO and EU”, President of the Republic of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi said during the meeting with the Slovenian counterpart, Borut Pahor, in Ljubljana.
President Thaçi at a working lunch with the Slovenian Prime Minister
During his visit to Slovenia, President Thaçi was received by the Prime Minister of Slovenia, Miro Cerar for an official lunch.
During the reception and conversation over lunch the parties discussed the possibilities of enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries.
The Government of Kosovo has drafted the Law on Strategic Investment that will enable investors faster implementation of their projects.
“Slovenia is the second largest investor in Kosovo. This trust is an invitation to other businesses, Slovenian ones but also those from all around the world, to come and invest in Kosovo”, President Thaçi said.
President Thaçi signs the “City of Ljubljana’s Golden Book”
President Thaçi was hosted in the Slovenian capital also by the mayor of Ljubljana, Zoran Jankovic, who briefed the president of Ljubljana’s achievements in improving the lives of its inhabitants.
President Thaçi said that just as Slovenia is an example for the region, Ljubljana should also be a model for Prishtina. He praised Ljubljana’s officials for receiving the “European Green Capital Award 2016” by the European Commission.
Finally, the President of the Republic of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi also signed the “City of Ljubljana’s Golden Book”.