'Kosovo Turks to best serve their country'

PRISTINE, Kosovo

Kosovo's new Turkish-origin regional development minister on Monday said the constructiveness of the Kosovo Turks would always continue to contribute to the development of their country.

Enis Kervan was appointed to his post by a new coalition government led by the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) in early June.

Underlining that the new government had much work to do, Kervan said the representatives of the Turkish Democratic Party of Kosovo would uphold the interests of the country in the best way.

"We will take steps by defending the protection of our existing constitutional and legal rights by taking into consideration the Turkish community living in Kosovo and ultimately we will do whatever is necessary as the representatives of Kosovo Turks," said Kervan, asserting that the Turkish Democratic Party of Kosovo would make progress in improving the country's international status.

Kervan underlined that the Kosovar-Turkish community was represented in the country's new government at the ministerial level after not being included for a year.

"Kosovo Turks are represented in the government by the ministry. Thanks to this ministry, we will defend the interests of Kosovo Turks in areas such as education, culture, as a Kosovo Turk Minister, who is both in the regional, economic development, and in the cabinet. As the constructive elements of Kosovo, we will present our best to the development of Kosovo," said Kervan.

Kervan added that they aimed to further develop already strong cooperation with Turkey.

"Kosovo Turks are the robust bridge between Kosovo and Turkey. The Kosovo government is also aware of this. We are here to continue our relations at the highest level and strengthen them further," said Kervan.

Aid from Turkey

Kervan said it would be impossible to forget Turkey's contribution to Kosovo's development.

"The latest example of this support is the medical aid of Turkey to Kosovo during the COVID-19 pandemic in the world. Turkey's support and help to Kosovo in the field of education, health to all communities living in the country can really not be forgotten," he added.

Turkey was one of the first countries to recognize Kosovo's independence from Serbia in 2008 despite the fact that Belgrade insists the country is one of its provinces.

The international community has also remained divided on the recognition of Kosovo as a sovereign state.

Over 100 countries, including the US, Britain, France and Germany, have recognized Kosovo's independence, while Serbia, Russia, and China have not.

Turkey has stated it would welcome and support mutual agreement between Kosovo and Belgrade.


Writing by Talha Ozturk