Prishtina, 16.11.2012 – During his participation in the Energy and Economy Summit of the Atlantic Council in Istanbul, Kosovo’s Economic Development Minister, Besim Beqaj, met today with the Turkey’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Taner Yildiz, and had separate bilateral meetings with other ministers and ambassadors of the countries of the region and beyond.

In his meeting with the Turkish counterpart, Beqaj highlighted that the Republic of Kosovo has excellent relations with Turkey, and discussed on the important development processes in economy in Kosovo and region.

Beqaj and Yildiz discussed on activities to be implemented under the Economic Cooperation Agreement between Kosovo and Turkey.

The Minister also highlighted the importance of Kosovo’s inclusion in the gas ring, which plays an important role for the country’s economic development, and asked for Turkey’s support to Kosovo in the process.

On this occasion, Minister Beqaj invited Minister Yildiz to visit the Republic of Kosovo, and Minsiter Yildiz confirmed his readiness to realize this visit in the beginning of next year.

In addition, Beqaj informed the Turkish Minister on the overall developments in energy and the organization of the Donor’s Conference, and Minister Yildiz expressed his full willingness to also offer Turkey’s support.

Minister Beqaj also plans to visit the city of Bursa, Turkey, to present investment opportunities in all production sectors in the Republic of Kosovo.

During his stay, visits will be made to Turkish producer with Albanian origin, and a call will be made by the minister to relocate production capacities in the metal, plastic, food, textile and other processing sectors.

Minister Beqaj will also highlight Kosovo’s readiness to attract investments in the production sector, in order to increase Kosovo’s export potential towards the EU marked, and beyond.