FLASH NEWS
Vjosa Osmani's visit to Switzerland/Swiss public television: How close are relations with Kosovo?
2025-05-21 21:45:32 / KOSOVA
Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani was welcomed in Bern with military honors and by the entire Federal Council. During her two-day state visit, she will meet with several Federal Councilors for talks.
In addition to economic cooperation, the focus is also on migration and security issues. But what is the political and economic relationship between Switzerland and Kosovo?
What are the political relations between Switzerland and Kosovo?
They are very good. In bilateral meetings, such as the recent one between Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin at the WEF, both sides emphasize friendly relations and mutual respect. Good relations have developed over time. A large Kosovar diaspora has lived here for decades. Switzerland was one of the first countries to recognize Kosovo’s independence and has been involved in peacekeeping with soldiers on the ground since 1999.
How is Switzerland perceived in Kosovo?
Very positive. Many people have personal connections with Switzerland. Almost everyone knows someone who lives in Switzerland. Switzerland has a good reputation and is present on the streets. Swiss flags can be seen constantly. Shops have a connection to Switzerland in their name. In addition to people's personal relationships, this also has to do with the active role that Switzerland has played in the country since the end of the Kosovo war, a role that is appreciated by many people.
What is the state of economic relations between Switzerland and Kosovo?
Switzerland is economically important for Kosovo. This is mainly related to the service sector. Swiss companies have transferred part of their business to Kosovo in recent years. For example, Kosovar companies are taking over software development for Swiss companies. But Switzerland is also one of the most important destinations for exporting goods. The diaspora also invests a lot of money.
However, a large part of this flows into the real estate sector, which is considered economically unsustainable. But while Switzerland is an important trading partner for Kosovo, Kosovo is economically insignificant for Switzerland. However, economic relations are likely to become closer in the future. In January, Kosovo signed a free trade agreement with the EFTA states, which also includes Switzerland.
Where is Kosovo located economically and politically?
The country has experienced extraordinary development. In the short time since independence, a vibrant democracy has developed. There has also been steady economic growth in recent years. However, poverty remains widespread and many people work in the informal sector.
Since the elections at the beginning of the year, the country has also been politically deadlocked. With no party having a clear majority, it remains unclear what the next government will look like. As a result of these conditions, young people in particular are seeking their fortune abroad. The country is suffering from this ongoing emigration.
Happening now...
America may withdraw from Europe, but not from SPAK
Nga Gentian Gaba
ideas
Who is the Surrel Rabbit?
Nga Sidi Hasanaj
The two wrong paths of the opposition with the Ombudsman
Nga Patrik Sadikaj
top
Alfa recipes
TRENDING 
services
- POLICE129
- STREET POLICE126
- AMBULANCE112
- FIREFIGHTER128