During the period September 11-14, 2024, the Director of the Department for European Integration and Policy Coordination in the Ministry of Regional Development (MRD), Mrs Refike Sülçevsi, together with representatives of the MARDI project, Fushë Kosova Municipality and Swiss Caritas, made an official visit to Keçiören and Mamak municipalities in Ankara, Turkey.

On September 11, the delegation was received by the Mayor of the Municipality of Mamak, Mr Veli Gündüz Şahin, where the possibilities for cooperation between the municipality of Mamak and Fushë Kosova were discussed. The parties focused on the exchange of experiences and the possibility for joint projects in the future.

On September 12, the visit continued to Keçiören Municipality, where the delegation was received by the Deputy Mayor of the municipality, Mr Atila Zorlu. Ms Sülçevsi presented the MARDI and YENI programs, emphasizing the purpose of these programs to create inter-municipal cooperation in the economic, cultural and social fields. The Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Fushë Kosova, Mr Besnik Osmani, presented the achievements and challenges of his municipality and expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Keçiören Municipality.

The visit also included other cultural and institutional activities, such as visits to the Ataturk Museum, the Keçiören Municipality Aquarium and the Zoological Park. During the meetings, they also discussed the importance of organizing further meetings in Kosovo and the exchange of ideas for twinning and joint projects.

This official visit is an important step towards deepening the cooperation between the municipalities of Kosovo and Turkey, benefiting from the experiences and opportunities of mutual development.