Foreign Minister Hasler visits development projects in Kosovo – Liechtenstein
VADUZ – From October 5 to 8, 2022, Foreign Minister Dominique Hasler visited the Republic of Kosovo. The trip focused on visiting various projects that Liechtenstein has been supporting for around 20 years as part of International Humanitarian Cooperation and Development (IHCD).
As stated in a government broadcast, Foreign Minister Hasler took the opportunity to speak to organizations, authorities and the local population involved in the projects. In addition, several meetings took place at ministerial level. The Liechtenstein delegation was accompanied by the Managing Director of Caritas Switzerland, Peter Lack. Caritas Switzerland is Liechtenstein’s main partner in implementing the projects in Kosovo.
Liechtenstein and the Republic of Kosovo have maintained close relations for many years. During the Kosovo conflict in the late 1990s, around 1000 people from Kosovo found refuge in Liechtenstein. At the end of the conflict, the majority of the refugees returned to their homes. For these returnees, however, there were prospects so that they could lead a decent life in the war-ravaged country in the long term.
Since then, Liechtenstein has shown its great solidarity with the Republic of Kosovo and supports a number of local projects to create long-term prospects, retain skilled workers in the country and promote stability in the region. In the past 20 years, Liechtenstein has provided support totaling around CHF 11 million for such projects in Kosovo. It is therefore important to Foreign Minister Hasler to be able to evaluate the effect of the funds used on site together with the project partners.
Early childhood education improved development prospects
During the visit, Foreign Minister Dominique Hasler inspected three projects implemented by Caritas Switzerland. These include a children’s hospital and a kindergarten in Pristina, which are part of a project to strengthen a high-quality early childhood education system.
This strengthening is achieved by improving the infrastructure of kindergartens and primary schools. On the other hand, the pedagogical methods are constantly being improved and local educational faculties are involved. In addition, the project aims in particular at the inclusion of social fringe groups such as Roma, children with disabilities and children in hospitals.
Professionalization of agriculture creates income and jobs
Furthermore, Foreign Minister Hasler visited a project in the south of the country in the field of refugee and migration aid, with the aim of generating income in agricultural production. This is particularly effective in improving the quality and efficiency of the production of beers, honey, medicinal and aromatic herbs, as well as professionalizing the value chains. The focus here is also on the increasing conversion to organic farming. In total, more than 2,000 people are supported by the project and benefit from a secure income.
Investments by the diaspora for more economic growth
Foreign Minister Hasler also had the opportunity to announce a new innovative project to promote investments by Kosovars living abroad together with the Kosovan Minister for Regional Development, Mr. Filkrim Damka. A call for investment projects that could create new jobs in Kosovo has been launched. Kosovars abroad can apply for financial contributions. The selected projects are then supplemented with contributions from Caritas Switzerland and the Kosovar government. The aim is to use the potential of the diaspora to contribute to sustainable growth in Kosovo.
Foreign Minister Hasler was convinced of the active impact of the projects co-financed by Liechtenstein: “We were able to gain personal impressions of the impact of the projects from the many contacts we had with children, young people, students, teachers, business people and the project managers. Our projects have secured prospects for children and income for many people. But I am also convinced that there is still more potential. Liechtenstein’s contribution is very highly valued and local commitment will continue to be of great relevance for securing the future and stability.”
Bilateral contacts reinforce the close relationship
At the meeting with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz, the focus was on bilateral relations, the joint advancement of projects, the further deepening of economic relations and the Republic of Kosovo’s application to join the Council of Europe. At the meeting with the Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Arbërie Nagavci, an exchange took place on cooperation in the field of early childhood education, in which Caritas Switzerland has been working for many years and is supported by Liechtenstein. There was also an exchange with the Minister for Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade, Rozeta Hajdari, as Liechtenstein currently holds the EFTA Presidency. It was important to Foreign Minister Hasler to talk to her about the status of the negotiations to conclude a free trade agreement. In addition, Liechtenstein’s desire to start negotiations to conclude a double taxation agreement was expressed.
Foreign Minister Dominique Hasler spoke with the Swiss Ambassador to the Republic of Kosovo, Thomas Kolly, about the close cooperation between Liechtenstein and Switzerland as part of the Western Balkans migration strategy. As part of this strategy, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Kosovo work closely together on issues of combating irregular migration and human smuggling and human trafficking. At the same time, projects to promote technical cooperation and capacity building of the migration authorities in Kosovo are supported. There has been a migration partnership between Liechtenstein and Kosovo since 2012, which deepens cooperation in this area.