A delegation from the Higher Education Quality Agency of North Macedonia was welcomed at the Kosovo Accreditation Agency (KAA), where both parties agreed to strengthen regional cooperation in the implementation of European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance (ESG) in higher education.

The North Macedonian delegation, led by Ms. Hristina Serafimovska, Director of the Quality Agency, included Mr. Agim Ramadani, State Advisor for Higher Education; Mr. Ahmed Qazimi, Head of the Higher Education Sector; and Ms. Lupka Nedelkovska, Advisor for Higher Education.

On behalf of KAA, the delegation was composed of Mr. Naim Gashi, Director General; Mr. Shkëlzen Gërxhaliu, Director for Monitoring and Post-Accreditation Procedures; along with division heads Ms. Shpresa Shala, Ms. Lenda Hyseni, Mr. Milot Hasangjekaj, and officer Ms. Leona Barbatovci.

Director Gashi provided a comprehensive overview of KAA’s institutional development to his North Macedonian counterparts, highlighting the adoption of legislation and sub-legal acts, expansion of infrastructure, increase in professional staff, and their continuous development in full alignment with ESG standards and the implementation process of the recommendations from the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA).

KAA expressed its readiness to share its experiences and lessons learned from the ESG implementation process, which have significantly contributed to improving the quality of higher education in Kosovo.

Director Serafimovska commended KAA’s work, stating: “As a regional leader in fulfilling ESG standards, KAA represents a model to be followed. Their unwavering support and openness to cooperation are a valuable asset for North Macedonia in advancing its efforts in this field.”

The North Macedonian delegation also visited KAA’s premises and held meetings with agency staff to discuss their respective roles and responsibilities in the quality assurance process.