Hoge Vertegenwoordiger Ashton over overleg met premier Kosovo Thaci (en)

EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 8 December 2011 A

Statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton i following her meeting with Hashim Thaci, Prime Minister

of Kosovo

Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission made the following statement today:

My meeting today with Hashim Thaci, Prime Minister of Kosovo, provided an opportunity to discuss the European perspective for Kosovo, within the framework of the whole Western Balkans region, as well as the latest positive results in the EU facilitated dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade

In the context of EU - Kosovo relations, I congratulated the Prime Minister on the forthcoming launch of a visa dialogue, the intention of the EU to make progress on trade-related issues and on Kosovo's participation in EU programmes. I also underlined the need for Kosovo to continue and intensify its reform efforts

I welcomed the latest dialogue agreement on the integrated management for crossing points (IBM), stressed the importance of early implementation and look forward to new agreements, in particular on regional cooperation. I encouraged the Prime Minister to remain fully committed to the process as it will be of utmost importance for both parties as they take further steps towards fulfilling their EU perspective

I also stressed the important role of the EULEX mission for Kosovo's future development of the rule of law and encouraged the Prime Minister to ensure constant and full support for EULEX's work