OSCE Ambassador Schlumberger: I will remain a friend and advocate of Kosovo

At the premises of the KLGI Institute, as part of the LGA-Empower programme, a consultative meeting was held with mayors and local and central level officials. At the same event, a farewell meeting was also held for the OSCE Ambassador, Mr Jean – Claude Schlumberger.

During this meeting, Ambassador Schlumberger held a joint discussion on the challenges, achievements and prospects of municipalities with regard to democratisation and the sustainable development of the local level.

This joint meeting with mayors and other municipal officials came as a token of Ambassador Schlumberger’s thanks to the Municipalities for their sincere and fair cooperation throughout his mission in the Republic of Kosovo.

At this meeting, Mr Besnik Tahiri, Executive Director of the KLGI Institute, stressed that the OSCE has been engaged throughout in supporting various processes related to democratisation and good governance in municipalities. On this occasion, he presented a meaningful recognition for his work in improving local governance in Kosovo.

On the occasion of the activity on his last day in Kosovo,

Ambassador Schlumberger said he was happy with his official appearance and honoured to accept this recognition from the Kosovo Local Government Institute. He added that his mission over the last four years has been beneficial for Kosovo’s municipalities and administrations.

Furthermore, he said that reform is an ongoing process and that his successor in this post will continue to give the same importance to the role of municipalities and mayors. The OSCE will continue its cooperation with KLGI, mayors and institutions at all levels.

Finally, Mr Tahiri, thanking Ambassador Schlumberger, asked him, whenever and wherever he may be on mission, and in his own country, to advocate for and present the positive spirit of a democratic Kosovo committed to progress on the European path.

Ambassador Schlumberger promised Mr Tahiri that he will continue to be a good friend and advocate of Kosovo. On this occasion, he also praised the engagement and contribution of the KLGI Institute in advancing local governance and democratisation.

Participants in this meeting were mayors of Kosovo municipalities, representatives of the Ministry of Local Government Administration – MLGA, representatives of the Office of the Auditor General, and members of the network of the Local Governance Academy and the Strategic Development Policy Programme, the KLGI Institute’s education and training programmes.