Albania-Kosovo, cooperation on confiscated assets - Xhaja: AAPSK is committed to further deepening regional cooperation
Albania and Kosovo are taking concrete steps towards strengthening cooperation in the administration of seized and confiscated assets. The Agency for the Administration of Seized and Confiscated Assets in Albania hosted an official delegation from the counterpart institution of the Republic of Kosovo. During a two-day visit, the exchange of experiences and the increase of institutional capacities in this important field were strengthened.
The meetings between the two institutions were held in a cooperative and transparent spirit, where the best models for standardizing procedures, increasing efficiency, and developing new forms of social reuse of illicit assets were discussed.
One of the highlights of the visit was a stop in the city of Elbasan, where the Kosovo delegation visited a social enterprise set up on confiscated property, now a center for work and community involvement. The project represents a concrete example of transforming criminal assets into resources for development for the most vulnerable groups in society.
The Chief Administrator of the Agency for the Administration of Seized and Confiscated Assets in Albania, Risena Xhaja, described this visit as evidence of the willingness to cooperate across borders.
“This visit is clear evidence that trust and the will to cooperate institutionally across borders are bearing concrete fruit. AAPSK is committed to further deepening regional cooperation and to benefit from European best practices. We have agreed with AAPSK Kosovo to sign a new cooperation agreement soon. The case of social entrepreneurship in Elbasan shows that confiscated assets can be turned into an engine of development and inclusion for groups in need.”
The counterpart of the Kosovo Agency, Alban Sutaj, also praised the Albanian experience as inspiration to build sustainable structures in Kosovo.
“The lessons and models we saw during this visit, especially the social projects developed on confiscated properties, are an inspiration to build sustainable structures in Kosovo as well. We are committed to ensuring that the bilateral agreement that is being prepared is a strong foundation for sustainable cooperation.”
At the conclusion of the visit, the parties reiterated their commitment to finalizing a formal agreement, which in addition to the exchange of experience and best practices, will aim at coordination on issues with cross-border elements and support for the development of social reuse policies.
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