The President of the European Union, Mr. Herman Van Rompuy, was received today by the President of Republic of Kosovo, Dr. Fatmir Sejdiu, by the Speaker of the Assembly of Kosovo, Mr. Jakup Krasniqi and by the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Mr. Hashim Thaçi.
During the meeting, President Herman Van Rompuy assured the leaders of Republic of Kosovo that the European Union will engage strongly in assisting Kosovo in its advancement towards accomplishing its European aspirations and in ensuring a future in thee EU for the entire region.
“All the 27 EU member countries have agreed on the deployment of EULEX in Kosovo. They have supported the economic growth of Kosovo and the EU is 100% united in its opinion that the future of the entire region is inside the European Union”, Mr. Herman Van Rompuy emphasized.
He maintained that European integration is for the best of all the people of Kosovo and the region and that, therefore, the European Union is urging everyone to adopt a constructive approach to regional cooperation, as the entire region has a European perspective.
The President of the EU Mr. Herman Van Rompuy also said that fight against corruption and organized crime is crucial to social and economic growth in Kosovo.
“Fight against crime and corruption is a major priority and it should involve a coordinated approach with local authorities, who must have a leading role”, he pointed out.
President Herman Van Rompuy also referred to the visa liberalization process, which he considered a technical process that entails some requirements to be met.
On the other hand, the President of Republic of Kosovo Dr. Fatmir Sejdiu said that the entire progress made in Kosovo is a result of a close cooperation with and a comprehensive support that the European Union has provided to Kosovo.
“Integration into the EU and NATO is our only vision and we expect your further support for the accomplishment of aspirations of the people and institutions of Republic of Kosovo”, President Sejdiu said.
The Speaker of the Assembly of Kosovo Mr. Jakup Krasniqi asserted that President Herman Van Rompuy’s visit to Prishtinë reflects his personal and EU member countries’ commitment to Kosovo.
Speaking of engagements of the Assembly of Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Krasniqi said that the Assembly has adopted and is processing laws that fully comply with EU standards.
On the other hand, Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi focused on efforts by the Government of Republic of Kosovo to instate order and rule of law throughout the country. In this context, he said that the opening of the Civil Registration Office in the north of Mitrovica, which has also been supported by the International Civilian Representative and EULEX, is not an act directed against anyone, but that it rather aims at facilitating civil services to all the people.