Pristina:The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) and the Government of Kosovo have celebrated the completion of an upgraded section of the Pristina-Mitrovica Highway. This marks the SFD's first completed project in Kosovo, enhancing a 9.87-kilometre stretch of the highway to bolster connections between Pristina, the capital, and Mitrovica, as well as improve links to northern Kosovo and nearby municipalities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the SFD stated that the highway upgrade is anticipated to reduce travel times and increase road safety for both passenger and commercial vehicles, thereby benefiting approximately 600,000 residents, particularly those in Pristina, Mitrovica, and Vushtrri.

The project was funded by a US$16 million concessional loan from the SFD, in collaboration with the OPEC Fund for International Development. SFD Chief Executive Officer Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad emphasized the project's significance, highlighting its role in improving access to employment, essential services, and supporting economic and social development.

Kosovo's Minister of Finance, Hekuran Murati, noted that the highway will enhance safety, connectivity, and access to jobs, education, healthcare, and markets. Additionally, the SFD CEO engaged in discussions with Murati, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Dimal Basha, and Minister of Health Arben Vitia to explore further development projects and strengthen the SFD-Kosovo partnership.

For over fifty years, the SFD has collaborated with international partners to promote sustainable development and foster long-term economic and social advancement.