Minister Gashi met with the United Kingdom Ambassador to Kosovo, O'Connell

Minister Kujtim Gashi hosted today at an introduction meeting the UK Ambassador in Prishtina, Ruairi O'Connel, with whom he talked about developments in the areas covered by MCYS, program policies and objectives which the MCYS is planning, as well as continuing the cooperation between Kosovo and Great Britain in the areas which are a priority and in the interest of the two countries within these areas.

Minister Gashi thanked Ambassador O'Connell and through him the government and the British people for their continued assistance to the people and the state of Kosovo in general, in particular in support of culture, sport and cultural heritage.

The Minister said that he appreciates the cooperation so far and the support that the United Kingdom Embassy has provided for various projects that have helped the MCYS to implement its policies and therefore it has created exceptional facilities for the smooth running of the ministry’s work. Among these projects is the Cultural Heritage Database, in which the UK has provided full support for this project. The scholarship program, which was signed in an agreement between MCYS and the British Council for Kosovo students to continue their studies at British universities in the field of heritage and other infrastructural projects, are among the many that the embassy has helped the MCYS.

Also, Minister Gashi said that he remains committed to the continuation of cooperation and to further deepen it in the future. He said that MCYS will be engaged in reforming its program policies with a view to depoliticizing and reducing unnecessary administrative barriers while also ensuring the independence of the functioning of the ministry subordinate institutions. "We will commit ourselves to reconsider the strong support for the independent culture, namely the artists, professional workers of the Cultural Heritage, the athletes and the proven young activists” said Minister Gashi.

For his part, British Ambassador Ruairi O'Connell congratulated Minister Gashi on his new assignment. He wished the minister success and achievement in the work he will do in the future.

The Ambassador emphasized that the United Kingdom will continue to be in support of Kosovo also in the future. He stressed that embassy support in concrete projects will continue even further. O'Connell encouraged the minister to work and engage in supporting values and young talents in all areas.