Turkish State Minister Hayati Yazici and Economy & Finance Minister Ahmet Shala of Kosovo put their signatures under the agreement on cooperation and assistance between the customs departments of the two countries.

"It is almost impossible for customs administrations to prevent customs crimes on their own as these crimes have diversified and increased," Yazici said during the signature ceremony.

Yazici said it was important to lay the legal groundwork for cooperation and assistance among customs administrations to prevent customs violations.

Current developments in the world had required a closer cooperation and solidarity particularly in the Balkans, Yazici said.

The agreement envisions exchanging know-how and documents between Turkish and Kosovan customs departments regarding prevention of illegal trade and trafficking, organizing training programs to raise qualified customs personnel, and exchanging technical assistance.

Also, Shala said Kosovo wanted to sign more cooperation deals with Turkey, and invited Yazici to visit his country.

Turkey recognized Kosovo on February 18, 2008, only a day after it declared its independence.

/World Bulletin/