Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo (CBK) Ahmet Ismaili met with Albania’s Ambassador to Kosovo, Petrit Malaj, to discuss developments in Kosovo’s financial sector and opportunities to further strengthen financial cooperation between the two countries.
During the meeting, Ismaili briefed Ambassador Malaj on the stability and resilience of Kosovo’s financial system, as well as the CBK’s efforts to strengthen financial supervision and align its legal and regulatory framework with European Union standards.
Ismaili also outlined the CBK’s role as an independent constitutional institution and highlighted efforts to further develop its institutional and professional capacities.
He emphasized the importance of close cooperation between the CBK and international financial institutions, central banks, and regulatory and supervisory authorities in the region and the EU.
Particular attention was given to cooperation between the CBK and the Bank of Albania, with Ismaili stressing the importance of continued collaboration in financial supervision, payment systems and nationwide financial education.
The governor said the exchange of expertise and experience between the two central banks contributes to strengthening institutional capacities and further developing the financial sectors of both countries.
The meeting also covered CBK reforms aimed at modernizing Kosovo’s payment infrastructure and integrating the country into European payment systems.
Ismaili briefed Malaj on processes related to the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), the development of an instant payment system and the TIPS Clone project. These initiatives are intended to make payments faster, safer and more efficient for citizens and businesses in Kosovo and Albania.
Consumer protection and financial education were also discussed. Ismaili presented measures aimed at improving access to financial services, including basic bank accounts and other instruments designed to increase transparency and help consumers make informed financial decisions.
The two sides also discussed cybersecurity initiatives in response to the growing digitalization of financial services.
Ambassador Malaj congratulated Ismaili on the work, reforms and activities undertaken by the CBK, while praising the strong cooperation between Kosovo’s central bank and the Bank of Albania.
He expressed support for continuing and intensifying cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides reaffirmed the importance of further institutional cooperation and the exchange of experience and expertise to support the development, modernization and European integration of the financial systems of Kosovo and Albania.
