Minister Işıkhan attended the Reception Organised to celebrate Kosovo National Day

Delivering a speech at the opening of the ceremony, Minister of Labour and Social Security Minister Işıkhan highlighted that the relations between the two countries are not limited solely to diplomatic relations and continued: "We share a deeply-rooted history, a common culture, and profound fraternity that bind us together. The Kosovan citizens living in our country stand as the strongest assurance of our friendship. The Turkish community in Kosovo is also a reflection of the historical and cultural bonds between our nations. We have utmost pleasure of witnessing that Kosovo’s Turkish community plays an essential role in the political and economic life of the country, and make a relentless effort towards the country’s development. We are proud of them".

Minister Işıkhan underlined that maintaining peace and stability in Kosovo is of key importance for the peace and stability of the Balkans and Europe and said; "In this context, we actively support all efforts in Kosovo, particularly the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue Process and the NATO Kosovo Force (KFOR). Last October, we successfully completed the mission of commanding the KFOR that we assumed for 2023-2024 period. On this occasion, I would like to extend my gratitude to the Kosovan authorities for the support they provided during our command".

"I am fully confident that, in the upcoming period, our trade volume will exceed 1 billion dollars"

Pointing out that Turkey-Kosovo relations are built on solid foundations, Minister Işıkhan continued his words as follows:

"Today, we have achieved a comprehensive and broad spectrum of cooperation across political, economic, commercial, military, and cultural fields. While our investments in Kosovo are increasing gradually, our business community remains committed to contributing to the economic development of Kosovo. The trade volume between our countries is also expanding steadily. I am fully confident that, in the upcoming period, our trade volume will exceed 1 billion dollars".

Also emphasizing the fact that Türkiye maintains a strong solidarity with Kosovo in the fields of education and culture through all institutions, from TIKA to Yunus Emre Institute, Minister Işıkhan said: "The activities of our institutions are fostering the fraternity between our nations; enabling Kosovan youth take stronger steps toward the future through joint projects. As the Ministry of Labour and Social Security of the Republic of Türkiye, we share a common will to further develop and bring new dimensions to our cooperation with our Kosovan counterparts".

Minister Işıkhan noted that with the entry into force of the social security agreement, the negotiations of which were completed in a short time and which is ready for signature, it would be possible to protect and improve the existing rights of the citizens and insured persons of the two countries.

Stating that the agreements in question are agreements that facilitate the increase of mutual investments and co-operation and facilitate human mobility, Işıkhan continued his words as follows: "We firmly believe that this agreement, which will be signed between our countries at the earliest convenience, will further strengthen our relations and reinforce the cordial bonds between our peoples. Türkiye will continue to be one of Kosovo’s foremost supporters on its development journey".

Stressing the fact that Kosovo's progress in every field would be a joint success of the two countries, Minister Işıkhan congratulated the independence day of the friendly and brotherly people of Kosovo.