The Ambassador of Turkey to Kosovo, Sabri Tunç Angili, emphasized the importance of the close relations between Turkey and Kosovo, highlighting Ankara’s support for the transformation of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF).
In an interview with Ekonomia Online, the Ambassador stated that the relations between Kosovo and Turkey are very deep, and that Kosovo, as an independent country, has contributed to stability in the Balkans.
He noted that his country is developing cooperation in the defense sector with Kosovo.
“Our relations with Kosovo are very deep and very important to us because we believe that an independent and sovereign Kosovo has contributed to stability in the Balkans. In this regard, and also in cooperation with some other NATO allies, Turkey is developing defense cooperation with Kosovo. This is a purely defensive cooperation between our countries, and we hope it will contribute to Kosovo’s efforts in state-building,” he said.
Ambassador Tunç Angili also mentioned that Turkey, along with NATO allies, is providing support for the transformation of the KSF. He emphasized that the KSF is moving in the right direction.
“Regarding the transformation of the KSF, as you may know, within NATO there is a framework based on four pillars for the transformation of the KSF. Together with some other NATO allies, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Albania, Turkey is also providing support for the transformation of the KSF. Personally, I believe the KSF is now moving in the right direction,” he said.
The Turkish Ambassador also spoke about the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in resolving issues between Kosovo and Serbia, reaffirming Turkey’s readiness to support the ongoing talks between Pristina and Belgrade.
He stated that the dialogue between the two countries must continue. “Firstly, we believe that, as Turkey, there is no alternative but diplomacy and dialogue for a sustainable solution to differences. We are always ready to offer our support for the peaceful resolution of all differences in our Balkan countries because we consider everyone as brothers and friends of Turkey. Regarding the dialogue process between Kosovo and Serbia, we hope it continues. As Turkey, we are always ready to contribute and support the EU-facilitated dialogue process between Kosovo and Serbia,” said the Ambassador of Turkey to Kosovo, Sabri Tunç Angili.
