AIDIA convenes event titled “Prishtina Dialogue: Where the Balkans Meet South Asia”

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, with the support of the Kosovo Foundation for Open Society (KFOS), successfully convened the event titled “Prishtina Dialogue: Where the Balkans Meet South Asia” in Prishtina on November 25, 2024.

This significant initiative sought to enhance cooperation between Kosovo and South Asian nations, establishing a robust platform for dialogue and collaborative engagement, reads a statement issued by AIDIA.

Since its declaration of independence in 2008, Kosovo has emerged as a significant actor within the Western Balkans, actively pursuing European integration while adeptly navigating intricate geopolitical dynamics. The region's economic growth, resilience in post-conflict recovery, and commitment to forging strategic partnerships render Kosovo a compelling case study for global discourse. The objective of this forum was to establish a platform for examining Kosovo’s evolving role, fostering connections between the Balkans and South Asia, and engaging both state and non-state actors in substantive discussions regarding Kosovo's trajectory and its influence within the Western Balkans and beyond.

The Prishtina Dialogue was initiated by Sunil KC, the Founder of AIDIA, in collaboration with Ambassador Guner Ureya, who was then the Director of the Department for Public Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of Kosovo during his tenure as the Ambassador of Kosovo to Dhaka.

Together, they envisioned the event as a flagship initiative for Kosovo, aimed at fostering greater engagement with South Asia and beyond. Additionally, this event marks a significant milestone for AIDIA, as it coincides with the organization’s 10th anniversary.

The event transpired over several days, commencing on November 22 with a series of high-level meetings and engagements. the South Asian delegates led by AIDIA had the opportunity to engage with notable figures, including the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti; Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora; Glauk Konjufca, Speaker of the Parliament; and Fikrim Damka, Minister of Regional Development, according to the statement.

Furthermore, delegates visited significant places of historical and economic importance throughout Kosovo, thereby acquiring a deeper understanding of the nation’s culture and historical context. These interactions culminated in the principal event, which took place on November 25.

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