Prishtina, 24.06.2021 – On
Wednesday, 23 June, the Minister of Economy, Artane Rizvanolli, represented
Kosovo at the economic forum in Skopje, which brought together the most
influential regional leaders to address the challenges that the region faces.

During the forum, the main challenges for development were identified and
addressed, the political experiences of the countries of the region were
shared, and the policy actions for a more business and inclusive economy were
identified.

 

Minister
Rizvanolli delivered the closing speech at this conference, whereby she stated
that hopefully we are now in the post-pandemic period, after the greatest
global challenge since World War II. Challenges such as viruses and CO2
emissions and global warming do not have borders and affect us all; therefore,
Rizvanolli stressed that it is necessary that actions and solutions are common
and success can be achieved only through cross-border coordination and
cooperation.

 

Further,
Minister Rizvanolli added that cooperation and economic integration in the
region is necessary and should include the joint commitment of the Western
Balkan countries, as equal members with equal rights, the engagement of
credible oversight mechanisms and solutions to guarantee the implementation of
the agreements, as well as the acceleration of the integration process towards
EU membership.

 

The
Minister stated that apart from economic cooperation, regional leaders should
work together on challenges, such as the emigration of skilled individuals by
creating new employment opportunities, promoting job mobility, recognizing each
other’s qualifications and removing permit regimes, as well as cooperation
towards democratization, protection of legal certainty, rule of law, increasing
the responsibility of governments and freedom of the media.

 

During
her visit to Skopje, in addition to participating in the Economic Forum,
Minister Rizvanolli held meetings with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the
Republic of Northern Macedonia, Bujar Osmani, where economic and political
relations were discussed.

 

Afterwards,
Minister Rizvanolli met with the Minister of Economy of the Republic of North
Macedonia, Kreshnik Bekteshi, whereby they discussed regarding solutions for
common challenges and priorities in the energy sector