August 29, 2014, 7:31 pm
ANKARA – President Mamnoon Hussain and Republic of Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga met here in Turkey on Friday in their first highest-level meeting between heads of the state from the two friendly countries.
Pakistan formally recognised the Republic of Kosovo in December 2012 which was followed by a visit of Pakistan’s special envoy in January 2013 and a visit by Kosovo’s foreign affairs minister in March 2014. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations to promote and diversify contacts between Pakistan and Kosovo.
Mamnoon reiterated his resolve that Pakistan was keen to create a new chapter of special ties with Kosovo with tangible cooperation in the economic and commercial fields. He said Pakistan had accorded formal recognition to Kosovo as an independent state in support of the aspirations of the people of Kosovo for independence.
He assured every possible support by Pakistan in Kosovo’s quest towards statehood. The Kosovo president expressed her gratitude upon Pakistan’s recognition of Kosovo’s independence, and said that this recognition came at a very appropriate time and this move by Pakistan was welcomed by the people of Kosovo.
She said that main destination of her country is to become full member of the United Nations. She requested Pakistan’s help in getting Kosovo membership into other international organisations. The Kosovan president also praised Pakistan’s role in United Nation peace keeping mission in Kosovo. She evinced keen interest to consolidate relations in political, economic and cultural fields.
Both the dignitaries agreed to create necessary facilitative framework for promoting commercial relations, encouraging and protecting investments and avoidance of double taxation. President Atifete Jahjaga extended an invitation to President Mamnoon Hussain to visit her country.
The president reciprocated the same. Advisor to Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz recalled his productive meetings with his Kosovan counterpart who visited Pakistan in March 2014. It was agreed to further boost high level visits and encourage people to people contacts.
