Czech EU Presidency to push forward visa liberalization for Kosovo

“Our message is clear, the citizens of Kosovo can count on Czech support in terms of the rule of law, but also their membership in international organizations, including the EU and NATO,” said Lipavsky.

He stressed that the Western Balkans, including Kosovo, “is among the regional priorities” and added that the Czech Republic’s efforts are focused “on making progress in the integration process, including visa liberalization.”

“These are technical meeting that are expected to result in a positive decision for Kosovo, the Czech Presidency is working on this and supports it,” said Lipavsky following his meeting with Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister Besnik Bislimi.

The Czech Foreign Minister said integration into the EU requires an agreement between Kosovo and Serbia, and called for the implementation of all agreements reached in the dialogue.

"The normalization of relations is an essential aspect of the European integration process,” said Lipavsky, adding that successful integration into the EU is impossible without achieving success in this area. The two sides must respect and implement the agreements reached through dialogue, said the Czech Minister.

Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister Besnik Bislimi assessed that political conditions have been created for a positive decision on visa liberalization for Kosovo.

“We have visited all the skeptical countries. We have resolved all issues. We have the environment, the circumstances in which we can make a positive decision,” said Bislimi.

Bislimi said he was certain that the Czech Republic will “push for” the visa liberalization.

“The liberalization process is important for us not only symbolically, but also politically, because it will increase credibility. I have informed Lipavsky that our Government has been constructively involved in the dialogue with Serbia from the very beginning,” said Bislimi.