This Thursday the presidents of Panama and the Republic of Kosovo, Laurentino Cortizo and Vjosa Osmani Sadriu, respectively, met to address issues of interest on the bilateral agenda in the political, commercial, fight against climate change, invasion of Ukraine, regional affairs and on the donation to Panama of a statue of Saint Teresa of Calcutta.
During the meeting, Cortizo reiterated that Panama recognizes Kosovo as a democratic and independent republic. “We are one of the four nations in Latin America that recognize Kosovo as an independent country,” he stated.
He showed his interest that Panama and Kosovo be commercial allies, highlighting the advantages of Panama in the commercial sphere thanks to the best air and maritime connection in Latin America. In this sense, he added that the country has ports and hundreds of multinationals and said that Panama’s gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 15.3% in 2021.
For her part, the President of the Republic of Kosovo thanked Cortizo for recognizing her country as a democratic and independent republic. After a tour of eight countries, “in Panama we feel free to present our interest in establishing a commercial platform in which our companies can take advantage of Panama’s excellent geographical position. It is the only country in Latin America where we have an embassy,” she stated.
In addition, he emphasized that Kosovo is a country with great potential for exports to Latin America, and that Panama can be the commercial link country.
Osmani Sadriu congratulated Panama for the advances in economic, educational, democracy and health matters.
Likewise, he requested the support of the Panamanian Government so that other countries in the region and human rights organizations recognize the independence of Kosovo.
In the meeting that lasted 45 minutes, Cortizo Cohen agreed to collaborate with Osmani Sadriu to achieve recognition in the region of this nation located in the Balkan Peninsula, in southeastern Europe.
The Kosovo delegation is made up of: Heroína Telaku, Ambassador of Kosovo in Panama; and political advisers Egnesa Vitia, Donjeta Miftari and Rinor Nuhiu.
President Cortizo Cohen was accompanied by Foreign Minister Erika Mouynes; the ministers Juan Manuel Pino, of Security; and Ramón Martínez, from Commerce and Industries; and José Alejandro Rojas-Pardini, Counselor Minister for the Facilitation of Private Investment.
