Prishtina, 12.12.2016 – The Geological Service of Kosovo and the Albanian Geological Survey have signed today a Memorandum of Understanding, whereby expressing the willingness of the parties to cooperate in various fields of earth sciences.

The memorandum was signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the GSK, Fidaim Sahiti, and CEO of AGS, Viktor Doda, in the presence of Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Besa Zogaj-Gashi, Deputy Minister of Energy and Industry, Gëzim Musabelli, Ambassador of Albania in Kosovo, Qemal Minxhozi, and other officials of the field, from both countries.

The purpose of this memorandum is cooperation on the implementation of scientific and applied projects in accordance with the legislation and development strategies of both countries through exchange of scientific and applied experiences in geoscience; coordination of activities for the provision of modern technology in the interest of both institutions; coordination for joint engagement of regional activities; and mutual assistance and cooperation for the capacity building and trainings of human resources.

On this occasion, Deputy Minister Besa Zogaj-Gashi said that after signing the agreement between the two geological services, the two institutions can now apply for joint research projects in the regional and European level, as the two institutions are part of Europe.

“Both countries have significant underground reserves thus this cooperation is very important, and given your professional track record we will be able to attract investors and continue implementing joint projects”, she added.

According to Zogaj-Gashi, MED has prioritized the reforms and regulation of secondary legislation in geology, and the exchange of experiences with Albania in this area is highly important.

From his part, the Deputy Minister of Energy and Industry in Albania, Gëzim Musabelli, said that the cooperation of two services is very important as we are already a single voice in terms of mining sources.

“In time, the current and future studies on minerals will enable our mining industry from both sides of the border, in Albania and Kosovo, to develop, thus improving our economies and our incomes”, he added.

On the other hand, Ambassador Qemal Minxhozi highlighted the importance of strengthening this cooperation, and added that after the studies become clearer investor support can more reliable. However, according to him, next step would be to remove bureaucracies and delays in the process.

In addition, the heads of the two geological services spoke on the contents and importance of the Memorandum.