Norwegian Embassy and KLGI Institute remain focused on supporting municipalities

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to the Republic of Kosovo, Mr Per Strand Sjaastad, together with the Executive Director of the KLGI Institute, Mr Besnik Tahiri, visited the municipalities of the Gjilan region, including both the parent municipalities and those that emerged from the decentralisation process.

The purpose of this visit was to inform Ambassador Sjaastad of the municipalities’ progress and the challenges they face, while at the same time he learnt about the benefits of the Local Governance Academy educational programme and the programme for empowering municipalities (LGA-Empower), both supported by the Norwegian Embassy.

They also looked at the state of cooperation between the decentralised municipalities and the parent municipalities. Particular emphasis was placed on sustainable economic development, financial capacities and efficient functioning.

They began the visit in the Municipality of Gjilan, where they were received by the mayor, Mr Lutfi Haziri, and were briefed on the developments and interests of this municipality. On this occasion, Mr Haziri thanked former Ambassador Brathu and now Ambassador Sjaastad for the continued support of the Norwegian Embassy.

Mr Sjaastad and Mr Tahiri were also received by representatives of the Municipality of Partesh, as part of the LGA network. They had the opportunity to learn about the progress of this municipality, as a new municipality in the Republic of Kosovo.

The meetings continued in the Municipality of Kllokot, where they looked at opportunities for economic development through the use of resources and cooperation with the private sector. Meanwhile, in the Municipality of Viti they discussed the projects implemented and the steps taken in economic development.

During this visit to the municipalities, it was concluded that Norway is playing a special role and showing serious commitment in supporting the local level, whether through direct support or through capacity-building programmes delivered by partners such as the KLGI Institute.