US Ambassador to Kosovo Jeffrey Hovenier said the US hopes to see real progress in the implementation of agreements accepted by Kosovo and Serbia in 2023, and noted that the “normalization process ends with mutual recognition between Kosovo and Serbia as both seek to advance their EU path.”

“In February and March this year Kosovo and Serbia took significant and brave steps towards normalization of their relations through concluding the Basic Agreement and its Implementation Annex. Although there have been setbacks, we are fully committed to their implementation,” said Hovenier in a video message on the X social media platform.

He added the US strongly believes that the people of Kosovo will benefit enormously from the full implementation by both sides of their commitments in the agreement.

“In 2024 we hope to see real progress. That includes Serbia taking significant steps to fulfill all its obligations under the agreement, and for Kosovo likewise to fulfill all of its obligations, including moving forward on the Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities. Now, ultimately, this normalization process ends with mutual recognition between Kosovo and Serbia as both seek to advance their EU path. Implementing the Basic Agreement and its Implementation Annex is a major step towards that future,” said Hovenier.