Work begins in the “NT2020 Transatlantic Network” conference, on the topic, “Empowering the Balkans”

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Introductory presentations to those present were given at the opening of the Conference by Rebecca Zylberman from the British Council in Washington DC, the Director of the British Council in Kosovo, Arjeta Emra, the British Ambassador to Kosovo, Ian Cliff,  and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Petrit Selimi as well as the writer and well-known historian, Tim Judah.

At the opening of the Conference, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Petrit Selimi mentioned the visit by the EU Enlargement Commissioner, Stefan Füle, noting that this is a step by Kosovo toward integration in the European Union.

“EU Commissioner Füle is today in Kosovo to launch a feasibility study which is a step toward signing a stabilization-association agreement and Kosovo’s progress toward EU integration”, said Selimi.

Talking about the Conference topic, Selimi mentioned public diplomacy, saying that Kosovo’s case shouldn’t be raised just in classic diplomacy, and through verbal notes, but also through public diplomacy.

In his speech, the British Ambassador in Prishtina, Ian Cliff, emphasized the need to work together in general to empower the Balkans.

“I think it is especially interesting that great efforts have been made here in Kosovo to start developing links, not just with the US, but also with Europe and other countries, like for example, the Caribbean, where Kosovo’s Foreign Minister has been twice and we have seen that one or two countries in the east of the Caribbean, in the Caricom zone have recognized Kosovo. Nevertheless, it is good to work to this end in America and Europe, to work in general to empower the Balkans”, said Cliff.

Later, work began in four Conference Working Groups in which 40 young leaders from North America, Mexico and European states participated.

The Working Groups (Government Group, Business Group, Media Group and Civil Society Group), have started to address issues that aim to develop new ideas and creative approaches toward shared challenges in the Balkans.

The Conference organized by the British Council in Kosovo and in Washington DC, the British Embassy in Kosovo and Kosovo MFA, will continue its work tomorrow and the day after.