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Fikrim Damka, chairman of the Kosovo Democratic Turkish Party (KDTP) and Kosovo newly elected third deputy prime minister responsible for Minority Affairs and Cooperation, said his government will intensify efforts for Kosovo membership in NATO and the Council of Europe, stressing the importance of support from Türkiye.
“The Republic of Türkiye is one of the strongest countries within NATO; therefore, the support of the Republic of Türkiye will be extremely important for us regarding NATO (membership),” Damka said.
Kosovo parliament on Feb. 11 approved the new government led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti. The cabinet received 66 votes in favor in the 120-seat assembly, with 49 lawmakers voting against and five not participating. Damka, who serves as president of the KDTP, was appointed third deputy prime minister responsible for Minority Affairs and Cooperation.
With his appointment, the Turkish community in Kosovo is represented at the deputy prime minister level for the first time.
Damka made the remarks in an interview with Turkish news agency Anadolu, addressing Kosovo NATO and Council of Europe membership process, relations with Türkiye, and priorities for the new term.
Damka said he aims to further strengthen Kosovo already close ties with Türkiye and the Turkic world.
Emphasizing the challenging global environment, he said, “Kosovo will never give up on its roadmap of integration and consolidation with Europe. We will move forward on this path with firm steps.”
Highlighting NATO and Council of Europe membership as key objectives, Damka said Türkiye's role will be critical.
“One of the most important issues is our NATO membership, regarding which we expect serious contributions from the Republic of Türkiye. Both in terms of preparing our soldiers and preparing the infrastructure—as you know, the Republic of Türkiye is one of the strongest countries within NATO,” he said.
“Therefore, the support of the Republic of Türkiye will be extremely important for us regarding NATO (membership). In the coming period, I think we will succeed in this (becoming a member of the Council of Europe) by leveraging, on our part, the position, weight and influence of the Republic of Türkiye within the Council of Europe,” Damka added.
Damka said he will work to deepen cooperation with Türkiye through more concrete and forward-looking projects.
“Our relations continue at the presidential level. Our cooperation between ministries continues to increase day by day,” he said. “Over the past four years, our government has engaged in serious cooperation with Türkiye, especially regarding investments in the defense industry.”
He pointed to plans for an ammunition factory to be built in Kosovo in cooperation with the Machinery and Chemical Industry Corporation, or MKE, saying the foundation would be laid and the project completed as soon as possible.
“At the same time, steps will be taken for the production of new drones in cooperation with Türkiye,” Damka said.
He also said the Kosovo–Türkiye Business Forum, held in Istanbul in 2024, is planned to take place in Kosovo this year. Damka added that Turkish companies and experienced Turkish businesspeople will be encouraged to participate in infrastructure projects linked to the Mediterranean Games, which Kosovo will host in 2030.
Damka said that during his term, he will focus on issues faced by all non-majority communities in Kosovo.
“As you know, our rights exist legally, but we have shortcomings in their practical implementation,” he said. “As a government, and first and foremost as deputy prime minister, we aim to follow up on this.”
He added that he will also closely address challenges faced by the Turkish community in Kosovo, particularly in areas such as education, culture and health.
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