Exclusive interview for ARGUMENTUM.al with the Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to Albania, Skender Durmishi
By Marjana Doda
Editor-in- Chief
“In addition to history and sentiments, Albania and Kosovo have most of the same strategic orientations, but we can do more to support each other in all areas,” has said the Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to Albania, Skender Durmishi in an exclusive interview with Argumentum.al.
“Having intact solid state-building experiences and good economic potential Kosovo is Albania’s first address for cooperation. Kosovo, which is building a modern state with advanced democratic standards, is a strong argument for Albania’s support in foreign policy at every level. Fortunately, Albania is a member and present in many international organizations and fora where Kosovo is not a member, yet. This is a priority for us as well,” the ambassador said.
Specifically regarding the economic cooperation between the two countries, the ambassador said: “In concrete terms of strengthening cooperation, we can talk about very good relationship both politically and economically, as there are no obstacles, no problems, no restrictions as far as our communications of all kinds are concerned! However, it is not enough and we should not compare ourselves with our ‘yesterday’. I believe that we should start from the perception that we can do more and aim more. We have potential for more. Economic experts have already told us that our economies are complementary; they can be even better indicators of economic cooperation.”
Asked about the June 23 summit where Kosovo did not get a green light for visa liberalization, the Ambassador said that this question of visas beyond disappointment is taking the form of absurdity!
“There is disappointment because we have met the required conditions, and yet we continue to be the only isolated ones without travel opportunities in the region. My generation remembers the time when Kosovars could travel all over Europe without a visa. However, we will continue further because we understand the EU as a value above all other things. Then the other advantages come.”
Regarding the war in Ukraine and the danger that may threaten the Western Balkans, the Ambassador responded as following: “When Europe feels threatened, how the Balkans can’t be threatened! I believe even several times more due to known reasons. Firsf of all the fighting amphitheater is not far from where we are. Another reason for concern is that, unfortunately, there are centers and individuals with political power in our region that do not see this war at the door of Europe as a danger and a threat. But they show sympathy and solidarity both open and silent. You know that the intervention in Montenegro in 2016 directly targeted the head of the country, Mr. Djukanovic, there are destabilizing tensions in BiH that are fed from abroad. Such tendencies and provocations at the border have been carried out even towards Kosovo.”
However, it seems that the war in Ukraine has unified the democratic world, said Mr. Durmishi, underlining the irreplaceable role of NATO, but at the same time he noted that more cohesion is needed within the EU.
“Developments in Ukraine seem to have made the democratic world, especially the EU, reflect more seriously, be more determined and coordinated in order for avoiding discrepancies and indolent approaches. This situation is significantly strengthening the awareness of the irreplaceable role of NATO and of the strengthening and expansion of the North Atlantic Alliance, but it should be aimed at even more cohesion within the EU.”
When asked about the arming of Serbia in recent years against the background of a war that is taking place in Eastern Europe, the Ambassador of Kosovo demanded that Serbia’s actions be reprehensible by all, without exception, thus implying not only the international community, but also official Tirana.
“Serbia’s armament is worrying, and the denouncemens made against it by some countries are understandable. They could even be more powerful. When weapons are bought and this is accompanied by threatening statements of all kinds, and sometimes even provocative actions were carried out near the border, how this all can be seen otherwise than as a serious threat. What do I think? I think that these actions of Serbia should be reprehensible by all without exception. This is in the interest of peace and stability, even in the interest of the people of Serbia.”
Regarding the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, the Ambassador backed a real dialogue aimed at normalizing relations between the two neighboring countries, which should end with mutual recognition.
In the meantime he appreciated Germany’s commitment and emphasized that Berlin is a strong voice. The Ambassador said it’s fortunate for the region that Germany is also completely clear about the course that dialogue should follow as a condition for the EU.
The full interview in Albanian can be found here:
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