Kosovo and Jordan deepen their friendship by exchanging experiences

At the invitation of the KLGI Institute, and under the coordination of its Executive Director, Mr Besnik Tahiri, a high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Jordan is visiting the Republic of Kosovo from 6 to 9 December. The delegation is led by the Minister of Interior, Mr Salameh Hammad, together with his associates.

Today Minister Hammad and the delegation held an agenda of high-level meetings with institutions and sectoral ministries. The purpose of this study visit is to learn about and become familiar with good practices in institutional reform; institutional engagement and efforts to deliver quality services; and the process of decentralisation and the functioning of local governance in Kosovo.

In the first host meeting, Minister Hammad met his Kosovar counterpart, Minister Skënder Hyseni. The discussion focused on the progress Kosovo and the relevant ministry have made through services in municipalities, setting high standards of operation. They also discussed the exchange of experiences and other areas related to services and security, with an emphasis on the local level. General security issues and global challenges in this field were also on the agenda.

In a meeting with the Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Kadri Veseli, Minister Hammad and the Jordanian delegation discussed the progress Kosovo has made in legislation and in advancing the democratic spirit and functional local governance. The Jordanian delegation, for its part, presented the efforts of the Kingdom of Jordan to strengthen good governance and decentralisation following the adoption of two laws. The deepening of cooperation and friendship between the two countries was also in focus.

At the meeting with Prime Minister Isa Mustafa, the emphasis was on the sectoral reforms undertaken by the Government of Kosovo in support of sustainable development. On this occasion, Prime Minister Mustafa outlined the government’s commitment to strategic and economic advancement, both through direct support for the local level and through the advancement of policies and programmes. For the Jordanian delegation, the meeting was consistent with the efforts of the Government of Jordan to strengthen political and institutional reforms, decentralisation and the delivery of better services at the local and regional level. The meeting stressed that Kosovo is willing to share good practices and increase cooperation in many areas.

To close the first day of visits to central institutions, the Jordanian delegation held a focused and substantive meeting at the Ministry of Local Government Administration. They were received by the Deputy Minister, Mr Bajram Gecaj, and the Permanent Secretary, Ms Rozafa Ukimeraj. The work and engagement of the MLGA in advancing policies and legislation for the local level were also presented. It was stated that the ministry is fully committed to further advancing legislation, programmes and policies in support of strengthening the local level.

The delegation also includes representatives of the international organisations USAID and NDI in Jordan, which are engaged in supporting the Jordanian government in reforms.

The visit will continue the following day, when tomorrow’s meetings will focus on the role of the Assembly’s functional committees and on the supporting role of international organisations in democratisation and the advancement of good governance.