PRESS RELEASE
The Governor of the Bank of Albania, Mr Gent Sejko meets the Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo, Mr Bedri Hamza

On 24 February 2016, Mr Gent Sejko, the Governor of the Bank of Albania, paid an official visit to the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo. This is the first visit of Governor Sejko to the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo, since he took office as the Governor of the Bank of Albania.

During the visit in Kosovo, Governor Sejko met with Mr Bedri Hamza, the Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo. They discussed on economic and financial developments in both countries, as well as on fostering cooperation between the two central banks.

Governor Sejko informed Governor Hamza on the recent developments in the Albanian economy and the measures that the Bank of Albania has taken in view of safeguarding the macroeconomic stability in Albania. He pointed out that the economic activity is moving ahead on a positive track and that, for this year, the Bank of Albania expects higher economic growth, driven by the growth of both domestic demand and consumption, and foreign investments. Governor Sejko said that the Bank of Albania is committed to provide the necessary monetary stimulus for a steady economic growth in Albania. 

In addition, Governor Sejko spoke about the performance of the Albanian banking sector, underlining that banks operating in Albania have sound financial indicators. Among others, Governor Sejko introduced Governor Hamza to measures that the Bank of Albania and other relevant authorities have undertaken to strengthen financial stability.

Governor Sejko considered that intensifying economic relations and developing a common financial market between the two countries has become a necessity, based not only on the geographical position, but also on the brotherly cooperation.  

On his side, Mr Hamza, the Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo, introduced Governor Sejko to key economic developments, performance of the banking sector and insurance sector, as well as the role of the central bank in supporting the financial stability in Kosovo. 

Moreover, Governor Hamza commended the institutional development and steps taken by the Bank of Albania towards perfecting its expertise and daily activities. He also appraised the crucial role the Bank of Albania is playing in maintaining Albania's macroeconomic parameters.

On behalf of the staff of the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo, Governor Hamza extended the most sincere thanks to Governor Sejko for the technical assistance provided by the Bank of Albania in various fields of central banking, such as: banking supervision, statistics, payment systems, and financial stability.

In conclusion, both Governors concurred on the necessity for furthering the mutual relationship and cooperation.

During his visit to Kosovo, Governor Sejko, accompanied by Governor Hamza paid homage to the Memorial of the Jashari family. Both Governors paid tribute to the heroism and sublime sacrifice of this family. The two Governors also paid a visit to the historic house of the League of Prizren.