Albania’s Berisha visits Kosovo

6 October 2009 Beta

BELGRADE -- Albanian and Kosovo Prime Ministers Sali Berisha and Hashim Thaci have signed a number of agreements in Priština. One of the agreements gives the Kosovo customs authorities the use of the port of Shengjin. Agreements were signed in the sectors of customs, border police cooperation, readmissions and cooperation in local administration. “The Shengjin port is now Kosovo’s exit to the sea,” Berisha told a press conference following the signing. The Albanian Prime Minister is in the middle of a two-day visit to Kosovo.

He said that there “are not two Albanian nations” and that “the national ideals of Albanians should be European ideals.” “We know no future brighter than European integration. Albania and Kosovo are two different countries. It is the vital interest of any Albanians to consolidate the independence of Kosovo. They are not the same country, they are brotherly countries,” Berisha said. Thaci said that countries in the region had a friend in Kosovo and Albania.

“Albanians live in many countries, but we are one nation. Countries in the region have two friendly countries in Kosovo and Albania, partner countries, for cooperation, peace and stability, for investment in the region, and for European integration,” Thaci said. Berisha also met with the provincial President Fatmir Sejdiu, who gave Berisha a Gold Medal of Freedom for his contribution to freedom and Kosovo’s “independence.” Berisha met on Tuesday afternoon with officials of the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce and Kosovo businessmen. He also placed a wreath at the grave of the province’s late president, Ibrahim Rugova, and visited his family.