Germany will further strengthen ties with Kosovo, supports visa liberalisation, Baerbock said in Pristina

English

Gazeta Express

11/03/2022 0:53

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock promised strengthening bilateral ties with Kosovo, and visa liberalisation for its citizens. She said that Kosovo has fulfilled all visa requirements and the EU must deliver too. “Germany is working to get it done,” Baerbock said during a press conference in Pristina jointly with Prime Minister Albin Kurti, Gazeta Express reports.

Baerbock has also appreciated Kosovo’s active participation in aligning its actions with those of the West in condemning Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and imposing sanctions. “Russia’s President Putin bombs children’s hospitals while pretending to be ready to negotiate peace. This is pure cynicism. The unity of the international community remains crucial. Appreciate Kosovo’s active participation from the very beginning,” she said.

Baerbock also said that it is important for Kosovo and Serbia sit at the negotiation table and discuss normalisation of relations. German Foreign Minister stated that before Kosovo’s membership into the EU, the country must get the candidate status, and eve before that is the Dialogue with Serbia. She said that Germany supports the EU and its Special Representative for Dialogue, Miroslav Lajcak, in facilitating these talks.

Kosovo Prime Minister Kurti thanked Baerbock for Germany’s continuous support throughout the years and for its principled approach towards the Western Balkan region. He said that Kosovo’s diaspora in Germany serves as a bridge between our people and our economies, bringing the investments that strengthen our relations. “Kosovo is a reliable partner and proud friend of Germany,” he said.

In addition, to Kurti, German FM Baerbock who is accompanied by German envoy for the Western Balkans, Manuel Sarrazin, was hosted by Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani and Foreign Minister Donika Gervalla. On Friday, Minister Baerbock will inaugurate a wind park which has been established with German support and represents the largest foreign direct investment in Kosovo to date, the German Embassy in Pristina has announced. /GazetaExpress/