Prime Minister Albin Kurti inaugurated a new facility for the Ministry of Agriculture in North Mitrovica today, signaling a push for institutional integration and “normalization” in the northern region.
Accompanying the Prime Minister was the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Development, Armend Muja. The new building will house the Regional Directorate of the Agency for Agricultural Development and the Kosovo Forestry Agency. Previously, these state bodies operated out of private rented spaces; their relocation to a dedicated government facility is seen as a move to solidify the state’s presence.
Integration and Equality
Addressing a mix of local and international media, Kurti emphasized that the opening of this office is a step toward inclusivity. He responded to questions from Serbian journalists regarding the absence of the North Mitrovica mayor, describing the local leadership as an essential layer of citizenship but focusing the event on broader institutional equality.
“The era of discrimination has ended,” Kurti declared. “I thank everyone who contributed to this day, which offers true inclusion for all.”
Institutional Expansion
The inauguration was attended by several high-ranking cabinet members, reflecting the government’s coordinated focus on the north:
- Armend Muja (Minister of Agriculture)
- Xhelal Sveçla (Minister of Internal Affairs)
- Elbert Krasniqi (Minister of Local Government Administration)
- Faton Peci (Mayor of South Mitrovica)
This move follows the recent trend of establishing central government offices in North Mitrovica, including the Tax Administration of Kosovo (TAK) facility earlier this month. Kurti reiterated that while the situation is not yet “fully normal,” the expansion of state services—available to all citizens regardless of ethnicity—is the primary path toward lasting stability and the rule of law.
