The KLGI Institute deepens strategic cooperation in the region

As part of the ‘Support for Strong and Sustainable Municipalities (SSSM)’ programme, the KLGI Institute began the first day of the three-day modular training taking place in the Republic of Macedonia. The visit aims to further deepen strategic cooperation, while also addressing and learning about Macedonia's practices in the field of inter-municipal cooperation.

In addition to joint discussions and debates, the delegation, made up of municipal officials and representatives of ministries, had the opportunity to visit and see at first hand the work and commitments of the Ministry of Local Self-Government and the Association of Units of Local Self-Government (ZELS).

At the first meeting, the delegation was received by the Minister of Local Self-Government, Suhejl Fazliu, and the staff of this government department. Minister Fazliu placed particular focus on three important areas through which this Ministry aims to advance its activities, namely the decentralisation of power, balanced regional development and cross-border cooperation with neighbours.

Meanwhile, the Acting Executive Director of the KLGI Institute, Besnik Muçaj, expressed his thanks for being received at this meeting as a joint initiative to strengthen the links and relations between the municipalities of the Republic of Macedonia and those of the Republic of Kosovo. Muçaj also spoke about financing and support for municipalities by the Ministries of Local Government, as well as the exchange/sharing of practices and knowledge between the two states, given their similar systems and structures of government.

Minister Fazliu and Director Muçaj agreed to further deepen this fruitful cooperation in the future in order to build bridges of communication and partnership in matters and areas of interest to both sides.

In a separate meeting, the delegation was received by the Executive Director of the Association of Units of Local Self-Government (ZELS), Dusica Persic, who presented the role and work of the Association in supporting municipalities. Ms Persic spoke in particular about the representation and lobbying the Association carries out to strengthen municipalities in delivering services to citizens.

Ms Persic presented three platforms the Association has built: the Training Centre for building staff capacity, Support for municipalities through electronic systems such as software in various fields, and the e-assets platform, which relates to movable and immovable property. These three platforms were described as good models that could serve and be adapted in the neighbouring countries of the Republic of Macedonia as well. Mr Muçaj thanked Ms Persic for the cooperation they have also had in the past as a need for the advancement of both countries, with an emphasis on the development of the local level.

The study visit will continue for two more days, with several visits to municipalities of the Republic of Macedonia planned in the programme. This visit is supported by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Kosovo!