The commissioning of Kosovo’s first Ambassador Jetmira Berdynaj-Shala.
, accredited to Fiji, will enhance diplomatic relations between the two nations in climate change, capacity building and training, and people-to-people links.
This was conveyed during a courtesy call on the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Lesikimacuata Korovavala, by the non-resident Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to Fiji, Jetmira Berdynaj-Shala.
Dr. Korovavala thanked Ambassador Shala for her first official visit to Fiji, which aimed to advance cooperation between the two nations.
He acknowledged Kosovo’s commitment to align cooperation with Fiji’s and the region’s priorities, with climate change being one of the critical areas of interest.
On the same note, he welcomed Kosovo’s interest in providing training and capacity-building opportunities, particularly in diplomacy and foreign services.
Dr Korovavala said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will work closely with the Embassy of Kosovo in Australia to see how best the two nations can optimize current collaboration.
In her response, Ambassador Shala said she is honoured to be the first Ambassador of Kosovo to Fiji since establishing our diplomatic relations ten years ago.
She is optimistic that despite the great geographical distance between our two countries, we are committed to building resilient and sustainable development. She is confident that she will strive to take our relations to newer heights during her tenure.
Ambassador Shala said Kosovo is grateful for the Fijian police officers who served in the peacekeeping mission in Kosovo. In recognition of this cooperation, Kosovo offers training opportunities in various areas for Fijian nationals through the Kosovo Academy for Public Safety.
She said climate change is an essential area through which Kosovo hopes to support Fiji and the region, particularly in building resilience against the climate crisis.
To conclude, she said Kosovo will send a high-level ministerial delegation to Fiji and the Pacific region next year to see how best Kosovo can build stronger cooperation. She expressed her sincere hope that Kosovo will be included in one of Fiji’s missions’ accreditation.