Kurti and Erdoğan meet in New York, with security, the economy and former KLA leaders in focus

During his visit to New York, where he is attending the High-Level Week of the United Nations General Assembly, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti held a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Kurti said he expressed his gratitude during the meeting for Turkey’s continued support for Kosovo in the process of state-building and development, in diplomacy, in strengthening military capabilities, in establishing the foundations of the defense industry and in its aspiration to join NATO.

The two sides also discussed expanding economic, military and security cooperation. Trade between Kosovo and Turkey has reached approximately $1 billion, while the aim is to increase this figure further.

Kurti also mentioned Turkish investments in Kosovo, including the new ammunition factory in Gjakova and the Wind Energy Park in Rahovec, projects being developed in cooperation with companies from Turkey.

During the meeting, Kosovo’s prime minister praised Turkey’s longstanding role in KFOR and its contribution to maintaining security and stability in Kosovo. In this context, he singled out the professionalism of Major General Özkan Ulutaş during his two terms as commander of NATO’s force in Kosovo.

Another topic of discussion was the judgment of the Specialist Chambers in The Hague against former KLA leaders Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi. Kurti described the decision, announced last week, as legally and morally unjust and historically and factually inaccurate, emphasizing that it should be corrected on appeal.

Together with the Mayor of Preševo, Ardita Sinani, Kurti also raised the issue of the ongoing and systematic discrimination against the Albanian community by the Serbian state. He mentioned the deactivation of addresses, the non-recognition of diplomas and the insufficient representation of Albanians in state institutions there.

According to Kurti, guaranteeing equal rights for communities in the respective countries is the necessary means of ensuring fair and equal treatment.

Kosovo and Turkey are expected to continue deepening their friendly relations, as well as strengthening their economic and trade ties. At the end of the meeting, Kurti invited President Erdoğan to visit the Republic of Kosovo.