Prishtina, Istanbul, 16 november 2011 – Minister of Economic Development, Besim Beqaj, met today in Istanbul with the Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Tayip Erdoan with whom he discussed on the economic situation in the two countries and important process Kosovo is going through.

Participating in the Black Sea Energy and Economic Forum, Minister Beqaj met with Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey in charge of economy, Ali Babacan, and discussed with him on economic development and reviewed possibilities for a bilateral cooperation in economy between the two countries.

On this occasion, Beqaj presented concrete projects under implementation in energy, mining, telecommunication, road infrastructure, tourism, and also informed Mr. Babacan on the potentials for investments by Turkish enterprises in the Republic of Kosovo.

In relation to this, Minister Beqaj presented economic development priorities and measures implemented with the aim of creating a good business environment, which will have an impact in reducing unemployment, and accelerating economic growth in the country.

He also stated that the legal basis to intensify and and facilitate cooperation between the two countries is already in place and that other agreements under negotiation, and will shortly be signed by the relevant institutions of the two countries.

From his part, Minister Babacan expressed his readiness to encourage and institutionally support Turkish enterprises to explore opportunities to invest in Kosovo.

Minister Beqaj also met with his counterpart, Taner Yildiz – Minister for Energy and Natural Resources. They used this opportunity to discuss on energy projects, and Turkish companies have been invited to compete strongly in these important processes.

Yildiz expressed his conviction that the will, interest and opportunities exist, and that relevant institutions will continue to support initiatives which affect the creation of a sustainable economic partnership between the two countries.

Minister Beqaj asked the Turkish authorities to support the Republic of Kosovo in the road towards membership in EBRD, WTO and other institutions and organizations.

Our Minister of Economy also gave the proposal that the state of Turkey analyses the opportunity to unilaterally provide Autonomous Trading Measures to the Republic of Kosovo, with the aim of increasing our exports.