The official data makes for uncomfortable reading: central bank reserves down 11 billion euros over three years, 150 per cent knocked off the value of the lira, inflation at nearly 12 per cent, unemployment roughly 13 per cent and output contracting.

Four months after Kosovo held snap elections, parliament voted to support a new government under Albin Kurti on Monday.

When Kosovo President Hashim Thaci visited Japan last October to meet Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the two leaders discussed an important milestone in diplomatic relations.