Kurti holds meeting in New York with the Crown Prince of Kuwait

During his visit to the USA, Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti met in New York with the Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. The meeting took place within the framework of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.

According to Kurti, the conversation focused on expanding relations between Kosovo and Kuwait, with special emphasis on economy, investments and defense.

The parties expressed willingness to advance agreements related to economic cooperation, avoidance of double taxation and protection of investments. The Prime Minister also requested Kuwait’s support for Kosovo to join the Organization of Islamic Cooperation as an observer.

In his post about the meeting, Kurti described the conversation with the Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, as cordial.

He recalled that the friendship between the two countries was forged under difficult circumstances. In 1999, when the people of Kosovo were being violently expelled from their homes, a television initiative in Kuwait managed to raise seven million dollars in just one day for Kosovo, while the late Emir personally contributed one million dollars.

Kurti stressed that Kuwait, knowing from experience aggression and occupation, the loss of freedom and its recovery with the help of allies, quickly and correctly understood Kosovo’s situation. He emphasized that this solidarity is not forgotten.

During the meeting, the Crown Prince thanked the Republic of Kosovo for its support in confronting extremism in the Gulf region. Also, the engagement of the Kosovo Security Force in the peacekeeping mission in Kuwait, as part of the Iowa National Guard, was discussed.

The Prime Minister recalled that on October 11, 2011, Kuwait recognized the Republic of Kosovo as the 82nd state in the world. He added that this month marks 15 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

According to Kurti, Kuwait has supported Kosovo throughout this period in its efforts to join international organizations. For this continuous and valuable support, he conveyed the gratitude of the people of Kosovo to the Crown Prince.

Kurti stated that now an important new step must be taken, transforming friendship into a concrete partnership for economic development. Both sides expressed readiness to sign the memorandum for the Joint Cooperation Commission, which aims to open new opportunities for relations and create a sustainable framework for them.

Also, agreement was reached to soon finalize the agreement on avoidance of double taxation and the one on investment protection.

The meeting also requested Kuwait’s support to secure observer status for Kosovo in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Kurti linked the need and mutual readiness for broader and deeper economic cooperation with Kosovo’s progress in key areas, including information technology and the defense industry. According to him, young Kosovars and Kosovar companies are proving every day that Kosovo is a country of talent, work and opportunities.

In conclusion, Kurti described the journey of bilateral relations as moving from the solidarity of 1999 towards the partnership of the future, calling Kosovo and Kuwait true friends.