Alicia Kearns MP reflects on her recent trip to Kosovo:
It was a privilege to visit Kosovo for the first time over the weekend.
A busy three day itinerary, and important opportunity to discuss pressing security concerns, the need for dialogue between communities and to listen to the voices of Kosovo. Thank you Madame President Vjosa Osamni for inviting and receiving me.
My visit came during the weekend the Prime Minister Albin Kurti, met with int’l Balkans Envoys. He and I had a meaningful discussion about the security of Kosovo, the need for balance within the int’l community in the dialogue process, and accountability as a fundamental for peace.
During my visit I heard from as many voices as possible, from as many communities as I could.
As well as Pristina, I visited Gračanica, Prizren & met with women’s rights groups, civil society, young people and LGBTQ+ activists. They were insightful, fascinating and inspiring.
I was grateful to the Kosovar Police and Interior Minister for briefing me in detail on the 24th Sept terror attack incl the planning of it. The weapons they recovered were Serbian, military grade and very modern. Some yes were very old, but the weapons were not those of low level criminals.
The professionalism of the police and their commitment to all communities was evident. As some of you may have seen, in July I warned I was concerned about weapons being smuggled into Kosovo from Serbia, I wish I had been wrong.
I was honoured by the family of Afrim Bunjaku, the police officer murdered by Sept 24th terrorists, who kindly invited me to their home so I could give my condolences. My words could never take away their pain, but Afrim saved lives that day and I wanted to pay my respects.
I was grateful to Kosovo’s Foreign Affairs and UK friendship committees who kindly convened on a Saturday specially to discuss our shared priorities for stability, mutual challenges and our bilateral relationship.
The Speaker of the Parliament, Glauk Konjufca, and I also met and discussed how our countries can work together, cooperation by Parliaments across Europe, and our shared aspirations for a peaceful and secure Kosovo and Western Balkans. I was pleased to invite him to visit the UK.
I also had a vibrant and intensive discussion with Kosovo’s Deputy Prime Minister, Deputy Speaker and MPs over dinner about Kosovo the challenges facing the region, our hopes for the future and the opportunities ahead of this passionate people.
My discussions with the Minister of Communities and Return, Nenad Rasic, were very informative and I greatly appreciated his time and openness to discuss his powerful vision for community cohesion and the future of his country - excited to see him succeed with his plans.
It was a joy to meet the Justice Minister as well to discuss domestic violence, sexual violence and the work Kosovo is doing to reform the justice system and increase confidence in its institutions. I heard much respect for her in my discussions with civil society.
My discussions with the Mayor of Pristina was particularly uplifting - he has a real vision for Pristina and all he believes can be achieved. He’s driving forward a new city plan, securing investment and celebrating all that is great about the capital city.
Finally, I also met Foreign Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz for, as ever, a very productive conversation - especially around recognition of Kosovo. She is a fantastic advocate for her country.
Finally a big thank you to Kosovo’s Ambassador to the UK for all his efforts putting in place a very busy three days.
You can listen to my interview with local media BIRN during my visit here.
