Westerlund: Decision on US gas lies with Kosovo Government, stable energy supply is key

Swedish Ambassador to Pristina Jonas Westerlund said that the decision regarding US gas rests with the Kosovo Government, but stressed the importance of ensuring a stable energy supply for both citizens and businesses, Ekonomia Online reported.

Westerlund said he did not want to assess which solution would be best, leaving that decision to Kosovo's institutions and their negotiations with international partners.

"I do not have a firm position on this issue. It is up to the Kosovo Government to make that decision. Of course, it is important for every government to ensure a stable energy supply. There are different ways to achieve that, but I believe the most important thing is that citizens and businesses have a reliable energy supply. There are various ways to accomplish this, and I will not comment on which one is the best. I leave that to the government and its negotiations with international partners," Westerlund told Ekonomia Online.

He noted that it was unfortunate that the current situation had lasted so long, as it hindered the improvement of trade and economic development.

Speaking about economic relations between Kosovo and Sweden, Westerlund said that progress had been made thanks to the Nordic Chamber of Commerce, as well as the significant role of the Kosovo diaspora in strengthening trade ties.

"We held the annual assembly of the Nordic Chamber of Commerce. We now have up to 25 members. This is an initiative I launched three years ago, and I am very pleased to see it progressing. We have strong trade relations. I believe this shows that we also have exceptionally good bilateral relations. It is not just about trade, but also about political relations. Around 70,000 Albanians from Kosovo live in Sweden, and they also play a very important role in promoting trade. That is why I am very pleased that, after four years here, we can speak of very good bilateral relations," Westerlund said.