Luxembourg assists Kosovo development efforts with 24 million EURO for next four years

Meeting also marked constitutive meeting of the High Level Partnership Commission between the Government of Kosovo and the Government of Luxembourg.

During the meeting, ministers discussed latest political developments in Kosovo and discussed in an open and constructive manner future development cooperation between Kosovo and Luxembourg.
After the meeting, Minister Çitaku and Minister Jacobs signed the Agreement on Development Cooperation and the Memorandum of Understanding whereby Luxembourg government has pledged 24 million EUR development assistance to Kosovo for next four (4) years. Priorities identified for development assistance are: health, vocational education and training and water.
During the meeting Minister Çitaku, said: “Luxembourg has always been one of the closest partners of Kosovo. It was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Kosovo. Today’s signing of the Agreement on Development Cooperation is clear political and financial support for Kosovo economic and social reforms. Furthermore, this is the first bilateral development agreement that we have negotiated with a development partners. It will serve as role model for other donors and development agencies. This assistance will be used to improve access to public service for the citizens of Kosovo in health, vocational education and water. I express Kosovo`s Government gratitude for the continued support of the Government of Luxembourg for Kosovo’s development agenda.”

Meanwhile, Minister Jacobs, said: “I was particular happy to welcome Minister Çitaku immediately after the historic event of the agreement for normalisation of relations between Kosovo and Serbia. Furthermore, I would like to congratulate Kosovo on European Commission decision to recommend start of the SAA negotiations with Kosovo. Luxembourg Government has always supported the European perspective of Kosovo and in this light we fully support EC recommendation for the start of the SAA negotiation. With regard to the bilateral development agreement, we are very happy that priority sectors that have been set in this agreement reflect the Government of Kosovo plans and priorities. Also, we hope that this first agreement can assist Government’s effort in coordination of other donors. Our desire to upgrade the agreement reflects our recognition that institutions of the Republic of Kosovo have matured and we want to share the real partnership between two countries. This agreement comes at the time when we are upgrading our office in Pristina to the Embassy.”