Above: Panama President Ricardo Martinelli in Kosovo (Photo: OP Panama)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Panama President Ricardo Martinelli continued his European tour this weekend with a visit to Kosovo.

The trip included a meeting with Atifete Jahjaga, the president of Kosovo on Friday.

Martinelli was joined on the trip by Foreign Minister Francisco Alvarez De Soto, Commerce Minister Ricardo Quijano and Ambassador Jose Teran.

A statement from Martinelli’s office said the two sides discussed “bilateral issues” and reviewed ways to strengthen trade and diplomatic relations.

Martinelli said it was important for Panama to strengthen its image in the Balkans; De Soto said Martinelli was seeking to bring Panama “beyond its comfort zone” in the global arena.

Jahjaga previously visited Panama in March, when the two sides discussed the possibility that Panama could export agricultural products to Kosovo.

Kosovo status is still in question, after it declared independence from Serbia six years ago, and its sovereignty is only partially recognized.

Panama was one of the first countries in Central America to internationally recognize Kosovo.

“We thank Panama for this support as always and know that from here we can see support from other countries in the international community and the region,” Jahjaga said.

Martinelli has been on an official trip to Europe this month before he closes out his term at the beginning of July.