AIDIA hosts Prishtina Dialogue to enhance South Asian and Kosovo relations

KATHMANDU: The Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (AIDIA), Nepal, in partnership with the Prishtina Institute for Political Studies (PIPS), Kosovo, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of Kosovo, supported by the Kosovo Foundation for Open Society (KFOS), successfully hosted the event 'Prishtina Dialogue: Where the Balkans Meet South Asia' in Prishtina on November 25, 2024. This initiative aimed to enhance cooperation between Kosovo and South Asian nations, establishing a platform for dialogue and collaborative engagement.

Since declaring independence in 2008, Kosovo has become a significant actor within the Western Balkans, pursuing European integration while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics. The region's economic growth, resilience in post-conflict recovery, and commitment to strategic partnerships make Kosovo a compelling case for global discourse. The forum aimed to examine Kosovo’s evolving role, foster connections between the Balkans and South Asia, and engage both state and non-state actors in discussions about Kosovo's trajectory and influence.

The Prishtina Dialogue was initiated by Sunil KC, Founder of AIDIA, in collaboration with Ambassador Guner Ureya, former Director of the Department for Public Diplomacy at Kosovo's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, and former Ambassador of Kosovo to Dhaka. They envisioned the event as a flagship initiative for Kosovo, fostering greater engagement with South Asia and beyond. The event also marked AIDIA’s 10th anniversary.

The event began on November 22 with high-level meetings and engagements. South Asian delegates, led by AIDIA, engaged with notable figures, including the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz; Speaker of the Parliament, Glauk Konjufca; and Minister of Regional Development, Fikrim Damka. Delegates also visited places of historical and economic significance throughout Kosovo, gaining a deeper understanding of the nation’s culture and context. These interactions culminated in the main event on 25 November.

The South Asian delegation included representatives from Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, along with panellists from Kosovo and the Balkans. The delegation comprised notable stakeholders, policymakers, leaders, think tank representatives, and media members. Discussions focused on enhancing Kosovo’s partnerships with South Asian nations, emphasising people-to-people interactions and business-to-business (B2B) collaboration in sectors such as trade, investment, and cultural exchange.