Economist Safet Gerxhaliu told Euronews Albania that the current debate between Kosovo and Albania regarding the ‘Open Balkan’ initiative is harmful to both countries.
According to him, both Kurti and Rama should realize that they need to put state interests before the self-interest of their political parties, and that ultimately, they must put national interest before state interest, which is why the reconciliation hand should by urgently extended.
The economy expert also argued that before any kind of cooperation initiative like the ‘Open Balkan’ can take place, all barriers should be lifted so that all countries that are part of the Western Balkans can participate as equal states.
Gërxhaliu continued by saying that the recent amplified radicalization and nationalism taking place in Albania and Kosovo doesn’t bring anything positive to these countries, from the perspective of economic progress.
“The ‘Open Balkan’ initiative includes 3 dimensions; the political one, the economic and the integrating one, all three of which are important to Kosovo. The common denominator in finding a solution for all the problems of the Western Balkans is resolving the issues between Kosovo and Serbia. If this isn’t achieved, the Balkans will remain hostage. This is why, it’s time to start thinking about the future and in the future, everyone should be equal,” said Gërxhaliu.
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