Pristine, National Library, June 03, 2016

 

Honourable Prime Minister Rama,

Honourable Prime Minister Mustafa,

Dear Colleagues,

Given the short time allocated for discussions, I would like to emphasize some special moments.

First, I want to congratulate Kosovo for two big achievements on her way to European integration: The Stabilization and Association Agreement and the recommendation of the European Commission for visa liberalization. But as everything else in the European integration process, the end of a chapter is at the same time beginning of another one that is bigger and more complex.

Second, I would like to stress as it was mentioned by the Prime Minister Rama in his speech that our economic relations are further strengthened. Our joint challenge is capacity building on the drafting and implementation of cross-border projects for which we can seek financial support through the EU programmes. In my opinion, this can be the focus of cooperation until the next governments’ meeting.

The Action Plan proposed by the World Bank colleagues is a realistic reflection of the joint work of our experts in the short and medium term to pass then in the next phase of the unification of our markets, without taboos and being aware that it is a hard-working process but with positive and tangible impact on the lives of our citizens.

Third, in the diplomatic aspect, we are committed that this joint table to become a model promoting the indispensable role of the Albanian factor as a anchor of stability in the region. Therefore, we need a better coordination of our actions particularly related to the initiatives for integration in international organizations.

This would increase chances to take well-balanced decisions in order to avoid the steps which might result unproductive.

Fourth, membership, presence, active participation of Kosovo in all the regional organizations, initiatives and forums operating in South-eastern Europe is one of our joint successes. This will continue to be one of our primary goals because we are confident that the all-inclusiveness principle is a condition sine qua non of a successful regional cooperation.

Fifth, as Prime Minister Rama mentioned, we will continue to follow closely and encourage dialogue of Kosovo with Serbia as an important process for the whole region. We will insist that Serbia respects its commitments in this regard, not to obstruct the participation of Kosovo in the regional and international organizations and will encourage Serbian community in Kosovo to take part in the legitimate institutions of Kosovo.

The last but not the least, we will continue our unwavering commitment in support of Albanian communities in the region. Our diplomacy remains dedicated in support of Albanians living in Macedonia, Montenegro and Presevo Valley in Serbia though the consolidation of their legitimate human rights as well as implementation of various aid programmes.

Aiming to increase the efficiency of our actions in this direction, would be convenient to previously agree on a series of steps and instruments in support of Albanian communities in the region. In this context, the inclusion and streamlining of the synergies and ideas of our diaspora can constitute another objective in the next meeting.

Concluding my remarks, please allow me to thank and congratulate my friend and counterpart Enver Hoxhaj on the assumption of his duty and coming back to the joint family.

Thank you!