Embassy in Israel without influence in Kosovo-Turkey economic reports

However, other factors between Kosovo and Turkey are developing stable economic relations. We hope that these strong economic relations will not be influenced by noneconomic factors”, it says in response.

Answer follows earlier statements by the Turkish Embassy in Pristina, where they have said Turkey opposes opening of Kosovo Embassy writer in Jerusalem Israel.

Turkey's President Recep Tayip Erdogan on March 25th has asked Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti to review the issue of opening Kosovo Embassy in Jerusalem.

Turkey continues to remain one of the biggest trade partners, with the presence of direct investment and import of products in Kosovo.

Over 435m euros in investment, zero remittances

The value of investments in the last 15 years by Turkey's state in Kosovo amounted to over 435.6m euros, says Kosovo Central Bank data. There are no remittances from this country.

The company “Infinit”, located in the city of Prizren, imports water with different tastes, as well as alcoholic and nonalcohol beverages from Turkey's state. Mentor Colak, marketing manager at this company, in a conversation for Radio Free Europe, says they have good relations with Turkish companies.

We will continue business, we have not encountered any economic problems. Turkish products are required on the local market”, he said.

Over the past two years (2019-2020), some 840m euros have reached the value of goods imported by Turkey's state in Kosovo. Meanwhile, Kosovo in Turkey has exported around 20m euros.

Turkey, Kosovo strategic partner

Economics professor Safet Gerjaliu also says Turkey has been, is, and should be Kosovo's strategic partner with a positive approach. Kosovo, he says, is the product of international diplomacy, and in this direction the United States of America and European countries have made a little bit of a contribution to the formation and declaration of Kosovo's independence, where Turkey's contribution, given in various forms, should not be denied.

Turkey's state is one of the first states to have recognised Kosovo after declaring independence in February 2008.

Kosovo officially opened its Embassy in Jerusalem, March 14,. The opening of the Kosovo Embassy in Jerusalem was seen in the September 4th agreement, when Kosovo and Serbia signed two documents for normalising economic reports in the presence of then-American President Donald Trump at the White House.

Before the embassy opened in Jerusalem, Turkey's president, Recep Tayip Erdogan, had ordered the leader of the Vetevendosje Movement, now Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurtin, that “would be useful in avoiding such a step that could cause major damage to Kosovo”.

Gerjali: Turkey Must Show Understanding

Gerxhaliu says the state of Israel has decided for the country where the Kosovo Embassy will be located and that, for this, Turkey should show understanding.

If it comes to cooling reports in Turkey-Kosovo, then I believe much more will lose Turkey than Kosovo. I say this based on the fact that Turkey is a strategic partner for selling its products to Kosovo. Turkey is one of many financial investors in Kosovo, the aspect of energy and aviation should also be mentioned here. So, I think that at this moment Turkey should solidify with Kosovo”, Gerjaliu points out.

Gerxhaliu adds that official Ankara must be cautious with actions because Turkish products occupy large space on the Kosovo market.

I enjoy the fact that Turkey is economically extending to countries in the region, but in Kosovo it has made a big contribution to building, restoring mosques, restoring hammies. Meanwhile, direct investments have been made in the countries of the region, creating new jobs, improving export structure and balance of payments. I think that even in Kosovo that way it should behave”, Gerjaliu says.

According to data from the Ministry of Industry, Undertaking and Trade, 1.402 is the number of businesses from Turkey operating on the Kosovo market. The registered businesses are mostly in the majority and minority trade sector.

Turkish companies in Kosovo

In Kosovo some of the largest capital companies are Turkish companies.

The Turkish-French consortium LimakAeroport de Lyon, in 2010, has made concessions for 20 years for Pristina International Airport “Adem Jashari”.

In 2012, Turkish consortium LimakCalic privatised the Kosovo power distribution and supply network KEDS. Two Turkish banks also operate in Kosovo: TEB Bank and ISBANK.

Kosovo, Turkey pledge co-operation in economy, defence

Bechtel-Enka, the US-Turkish consortium, has made the construction of two highways, one connecting Kosovo with Albania and northern Macedonia, worth over 1.6 billion euros.

Even a number of educational institutions operate in Kosovo from Turkish investments.

Since Kosovo's declaration of independence, the governments of both states have signed 43 agreements and co-operation protocols, both in the field of economy, education and health.