At Prizren University “Ukshin Hoti”, an informational meeting was held with the theme of “Enhancing academic collaboration and scientific networks between Kosovo and Norway.” At first, the Rector, Prof. Assoc. Dr. Mentor Alishani, along with his colleagues, warmly welcomed Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Development, Mr. Imri Demelezi, as well as Norwegian researchers, led by Dr. Birger Vennesland, the head of the Economy and Society Department at the Norwegian Bioeconomy institution “NIBIO”.

The Rector, along with Norwegian researchers and professors from the Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, as well as representatives from both the government and non-government sectors, proceeded with the informational meeting, during which presentations on this topic were given.

Dr. Froydis Gyllund’s presentation theme was: “Food Local Expertise Network in North Norway. Prof. Assoc. Dr. Ekrem Gjokaj’s presentation theme was: “Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences and its relation with the Agriculture-Food Industry. Flutura Ramadani from the NGO LAG Sharri talked about the activities in the region of Sharr Park and its challenges. Vice Deputy of Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Development, Mr. Imri Demelezi, shared his viewpoint related to this event. Dr. Birger Vennesland, the head of the Economy and Society department at the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy (NIBIO), shared a valuable perspective. Jeton Jagxhiu, an independent food researcher, discussed the subject: “Traditional Sharr cheese production in Kosovo”.  

A short presentation, followed by questions and answers, was conducted on the Kosovo forestry sector and its needs. The meeting moderator was Nol Krasniqi.

The Rector, Prof. Assoc. Dr. Mentor Alishani, at the end of this meeting, expressed his appreciation and satisfaction regarding this important event. He said, “I thank each and every one of you for your participation and valuable contributions to this important meeting. Academic and scientific collaboration is a powerful instrument for developing knowledge and enhancing our society. This meeting today with the Norwegian researchers is an important step towards our common goals. I encourage you to continue this collaboration and nurture academic and scientific connections in the future. Thank you”.

At the end of the meeting, Mr. Imri Demelezi, Vice Deputy of Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Development, expressed his satisfaction, stating: “I’m pleased to have been a part of this meeting and to have had the opportunity to contribute to strengthening scientific collaboration. Collaborating between countries is essential for the development of agriculture and forestry. Let’s continue on this path together and work towards bringing positive changes to our sector. Thank you”.

This meeting serves as an important event in strengthening the scientific and academic relations between these two countries and is a significant step for further collaboration.