Mr. Jan Braathu – Norway’s new Ambassador to Kosovo

Mr. Braathu began his work in the region as an advisor on Balkan affairs in 1996. In this position he was responsible for developing policy proposals and coordinating Norwegian policy and activities in the Western Balkans. In 2000, Mr. Braathu became the Deputy Director General and Head of the Section for Western Balkan Affairs in the European department in the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He spent five years in Sarajevo (2006-2011) as Norway’s ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, during which time he was for four years also the NATO Contact Point. Mr. Braathu is now ready and eager for his mission in the Republic of Kosovo.

Photo: Norwegian Embassy in Prishtina

“I am very happy to be here and I am looking forward to this interesting mission in Kosovo. I am especially excited to be here because when I started my duties on the Western Balkans in 1996, Kosovo was, along with Bosnia and Herzegovina, one of the first places that I initially visited. Now I have been ambassador to Sarajevo for five years and I am now beginning my duties in Prishtina. In many ways I feel that I am returning to a place that I have visited many times, and that I am returning to old friends that I have been pleased to get to know from 1996 and onward.

I am excited about being posted to Prishtina. I consider Kosovo to be rapidly developing and that it is finding its place in the international community. I look forward to the continuation of democratic and economic development of Kosovo. For sure there are challenges. Kosovo is emerging from conflict and many years of underdevelopment. Today, Kosovo is an independent country, formally recognized by 83 UN countries.

It is important that we, from the international community, work closely with the government authorities and the civil society in all parts of Kosovo – this in order to develop the community and society in accordance with European and international standards.

Kosovo is a multiethnic country and it has a rich cultural heritage. This diversity can and should be a source of inspiration and a benefit for all inhabitants of Kosovo. I will work to promote dialogue, reconciliation and a mutually beneficial accommodation among the communities of Kosovo. Not only because that is in accordance with international standards, it is also a Norwegian belief that this will benefit all citizens of Kosovo.

I will work to promote economic development, job creation and the employment of youth. Job creation is a highly prioritized objective. Without jobs other problems arise, both politically and socially. Therefore I believe that unemployment should be tackled.

Kosovo has the youngest population in all of Europe. This is a source of challenges and benefits. It is very important that the youth population receive quality education, put to productive use in Kosovo – for the benefit and development of the country.

I believe that there are many opportunities for development. Kosovo is rich in mineral resources, fertile agricultural land, and of course hard working people. As more Kosovars receive higher education, their entrepreneurial spirit can be motivated to build on the resources in Kosovo, in new fields and in new directions. In the end, every country depends on hard working people and a transparent, democratic and just system of government to succeed.

As Ambassador, I am looking forward to meet people of all ages; listening to them and learning from them. Together with my staff, I will continue to develop collaboration between Norway and Kosovo, which is a mutual benefit for the people of both countries.”

Jan Braathu,

The Norwegian Ambassador to Kosovo.