Kurti receives new Swiss ambassador, Swisscoy’s role in Kosovo praised

Kosovo’s caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti held a meeting today with Switzerland’s new ambassador to Kosovo, Anne-Lise Cattin Hennin.

During the meeting, Kurti welcomed the ambassador and wished her success in her new diplomatic mission. He expressed his conviction that her mandate would further contribute to strengthening relations between Kosovo and Switzerland.

According to Kurti, the ties between the two countries have been built on a longstanding friendship, particularly because of Switzerland’s role over the years as a haven for persecuted Albanians and as an important partner of Kosovo in development, the economy and security.

“Our longstanding friendship with Switzerland began when it became a haven for persecuted Albanians, and over the years it has been an important partner of Kosovo in development, the economy and security. Around 200,000 of our compatriots live in Switzerland; they are integrated into Swiss society while maintaining strong ties with Kosovo, and continue to be the strongest bridge between our two countries. They are not only recipients of remittances, but also investors, entrepreneurs and job creators,” Kurti was quoted as saying in the statement.

The caretaker prime minister also expressed gratitude for Switzerland’s continued support through the three areas of cooperation with Kosovo: development, the economy and human security. He emphasized that Kosovo is one of the few countries where Switzerland uses all of these instruments simultaneously.

Kurti also highlighted the contribution of the Swisscoy contingent, which has operated within KFOR in Kosovo since 1999. He thanked Switzerland for this presence, as well as for the decision by the Swiss Parliament to extend the contingent’s mandate, describing the commitment as a sign of trust and a lasting partnership in the field of security.