ROME – Italy is the European country with which Kosovo has a privileged relationship, both politically and economically, said the ambassador of the Kosovo capital, Pristina, on a recent visit to Rome.

 In various engagements with the Italian media, Lendita Haxhitasim underlined the will of the two countries to further consolidate and strengthen bilateral relations.

 “Our two governments are determined to complete a re-launch phase that will culminate in the coming months with an increasingly ambitious framework, which will lay the groundwork for our cooperation in the years to come,” said the ambassador, observing it is "an important step, because we will update bilateral relations to the common challenges, to help give answers to the issues of the global agenda, strengthened by our special relationship with the EU and our adherence to NATO principles.”

 Moving forward, Haxhitasim is clearly enthusiastic about Italy-Kosovo relations.

"Italy can boast a preferential channel in relations with Pristina; in fact, a gradual process is underway which will lead to a strong and articulated partnership between the two countries,” observed an expert of Balkan region. “There are certainly great opportunities for Italian companies to seize: I am thinking of the infrastructure and energy sectors, agriculture and tourism."

Beyond diplomacy and the economy, the ambassador does not neglect culture, an authentic bridge between nations, and relations and initiatives aimed at defining a more dynamic organizational framework for the Kosovar community residing in Italy.

 In fact, Haxhitasim is determined regularly to visit and maintain an open dialogue with members of the Kosovo diaspora in Rome and in other cities.

 "In autumn – there will be events and initiatives able to interest a connoisseur public such as the Italian one and a series of events with the aim of making a country so close to us better known from a geographic point of view and determined to promote its varied and rich tradition,” said a diplomat who knows Kosovo well.

 mr-cc