The “Open Balkans” regional initiative neither unites nor divides Albania from Kosovo. At the joint press conference, Rama and Kurti announced that such meetings between them are fraternal and that they do not need mediators. Rama said that regarding this initiative the two have different views, but these do not prevent the countries to strengthen relations and increase cooperation.

“It does not unite us, but it does not divide us either. We have different views, but these do not prevent us from continuing to move forward in bilateral relations, just as I emphasize that my message to the government I lead is that everything we live in the Open Balkans must live with Kosovo. Economic operators, giving to all companies that contribute to the trade volume between the 2 countries and have no high risk, which means they are not suspected of illegal activities, of an authorization to have a corridor without any control at customs, this we have it in the Open Balkans and we want to live this with Kosovo as well “, said Rama.

Rama also spoke about the abolition of customs tariffs for Kosovo that will bring benefits to Kosovo companies and this is a good sign as one party should benefit until the moment is reached for everyone to benefit.

“Today in the Open Balkans, we want to do the same with Kosovo. We will do this in both directions without any discussion, for customs tariffs Kosovo has requested time for economic study, we will open the border for Kosovo businesses without customs tariffs. Do not ask governments when we talk about entrepreneurship, Albanian entrepreneurs in Albania Kosovo, are entrepreneurs of Albania and everyone, it is important that Albania is ready to accept and create conditions. I am very happy for every foreign investment that comes to Albania, but we need our champions who do business in Albania, Kosovo, etc. and representing the power of Albanian entrepreneurs. What you saw with the port of Durrës and Prishtina because it is an extended port, is the final solution of this story, related to the need to have autonomy so as not to be hit financially by synergy. I did not have it in any context other than the fact that the Kosovo side has asked for time. We do not need to study, so we will do it on our own and Kosovo companies will benefit. “Everyone will not benefit at the same time, there is no problem, to benefit a part”, said Rama.

The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti said that the possibility of removing customs tariffs is being studied, but in the meantime said that the 19 agreements reached today at the government meeting are much more than the agreements reached in the Open Balkans.

“First of all, we must emphasize that we reached protocol agreements and memoranda 19 today and this is to be welcomed. Our bilateral relations are excellent and fraternal and the brothers have no mediators between each other. These are agreements to strengthen our two states. On the issue of the Open Balkans is of another dimension, I have nothing new to say. 19 agreements today are much more than agreements made in another regional initiative. “The news today is the advancement of our commonalities and the divisions that are known”, said Kurti.