Kosovo Basketball Federation held a cocktail reception in honor of its affiliation to FIBA and in this event KBF was honored by two high officials from FIBA, Mr. Kamil Novak and Mr. Lubomir Kotleba, and representatives of Basketball Federations of region countries and also officials of sports and state institutions.
President of KBF, Mr. Erolld Belegu in his opening speech expressed his gratitude to all of those who have contributed for Kosovo basketball to come to this day.
Guests were also greeted by FIBA officials, Director of the Balkan League, Mr. Shay Shtriks and President of Kosovo Olympic Committee, Mr. Besim Hasani.
FIBA Regional Director Europe, Mr. Kamil Novak and the Consultant to FIBA Competitions Europe and Advisor to the FIBA Secretary General, Mr. Lubomir Kotleba, were given an official reception with the President of Kosovo, Atifete Jahjaga, and in a separate reception, the nation's Prime Minister, Isa Mustafa.
President Jahjaga thanked Mr. Novak and z. Kotleba for their contribution to the internationalization of basketball of Kosovo and expressed her readiness to support organizing a game of the National Team A of Kosovo, preferably in Prishtina.
President Jahjaga, upon receiving a jersey of Kosovo NT with the number 1, by the President of Kosovo Basketball Federation, said that she is aware of the challenges facing Kosovo, with particular emphasis on infrastructure.
FIBA Officials, Mr. Novak and Mr. Kotleba claimed that a great work has been done now that Kosovo will compete this summer in FIBA competitions and also encouraged KBF executives to ask FIBA for assistance for all strategic projects making available all of the potentials of the basketball world organization.
At the meeting with Kosovo Prime Minister, Mr. Isa Mustafa, FIBA Officials claimed that they value the commitment of the Government of Kosovo, to help with sports organizing and encourage the PM to continue with this initiative.
Once again, Prime Minister of Kosovo, Mr. Isa Mustafa, described the news of Kosovo’s membership in FIBA as one of the greatest news of the year and promised a full commitment to help with Kosovo’s best representation in the international arena.