Malaysia, Kosovo Mull Over Organising Joint Trade Forum

PUTRAJAYA (Malaysia), Jan 26 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Kosovo have agreed to look into organising a joint trade and investment forum as well as establishing a Malaysia-Kosovo business council to promote interaction between the two countries' business communities. These were among the topics discussed between Malaysia's Foreign Minister Anifah Aman and his visiting Kosovo counterpart Enver Hoxhaj during their bilateral meeting, here, Wednesday. Expressing their satisfaction with the friendly relations maintained over the years, both foreign ministers during the meeting also agreed on the need to undertake more high-level visits. "Both sides agreed to leverage on this strong bond to open up a new chapter of productive cooperation," said Wisma Putra (Malaysia's Foreign Ministry) in a statement issued in conjunction with the bilateral meeting. Hoxhaj, who met Anifah in conjunction with his one-day official visit to Malaysia, had extended an invitation to Anifah to visit Kosovo in the near future. The Wisma Putra statement said Malaysia and Kosovo had agreed to share knowledge and provide assistance in tapping regional markets by leveraging on each country's strategic position within their respective regions. Hoxhaj, according to the statement, also suggested that Malaysian companies explore the business potential in Kosovo such as in the construction, hospitality and retail industry. Wisma Putra said Hoxhaj also took the opportunity to express Kosovo's appreciation for Malaysia's support and assistance during its troubled period and ever since the country declared independence in 2008. Malaysia was among the first countries in the Asian region which recognised Kosovo's independence, it said. The foreign minister, the statement said, further requested Malaysia's continued support towards Kosovo's international recognition and integration efforts. --BERNAMA