Ambassador Filippini held a meeting on 17 March with the Rector of the SouthEast Europe University, Mr Alajdin Abazi, at the premises of the University in Tetovo. Mr Dennis Farrington, Pro Rector for Research and International Relations,  Mr. Zamir Dika, Pro Rector for Academic Issues, Mr Xhevair Memedi, Secretary General, Mr Luan Eshtrefi, Head of International Relations Office, as well as Mr. Artan Grubi, Political Advisor of the Embassy attended the meeting. Mr. Abazi started by informing the Ambassador about the meeting of the Executive Board with Mr. Max Van Der Stoel, former Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs and the first OSCE High Commissioner on Human Rights, whose contribution on the establishment of the University was crucial.

Mr. Abazi emphasized the high appreciation of the SEEU for the support of the Dutch Government and informed about the proposed changes in the Law on this university in order to change its status. He added that the intention of the University was to spread its program studies to the capital Skopje, which would attract more high school graduates to continue their studies. Rector Abazi invited Ambassador Filippini to the presentation of Honoris Causa title to Mr. Chris Patten for his contribution in the development of SEEU on 12 June this year. Mr. Abazi continued explaining that 80% of the students are Albanian, 18% Macedonians and 2% others. He expressed concerns with the decreasing number of students from Kosovo and Skopje. Speaking about the relations with the Tetovo State University, Mr. Abazi said that Proffesors from SEEU teach at TSU and that they cooperate in the Tempus Projects. The Ambassador offered her assistance in providing expert matter lecturers on different issues, which was highly appreciated. The contribution of the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the SEEU includes founding capital of € 5,6 m, scholarship programes, etc.

Amongst other projects in the region of Tetovo, the Embassy has supported in the past an Irrigation Rehabilitation and Restructuring Project (IRRP) with a grant in the total amount of US 11.98 million. The project was implemented during the period from 1997 to 2006.

The Embassy has also supported the Forum of Albanian Women in Tetovo in the implementation of their project “Contribution for Preserving Folklore Values of the Entities in the Tetovo Region” in 2004-2006. The organisation worked together with the Association of Women from the village of Jegunovce on this project.