President of the Republic of Kosovo, Mrs. Atifete Jahjaga, received today at a meeting the Defence Minister of the Republic of Portugal, Mr. José Pedro Aguiar-Branco.
President Jahjaga and Minister Aguiar-Branco discussed the issues of mutual cooperation between the two states and the integrational processes of Kosovo and of the region of South-eastern Europe.
Madam President emphasized the importance of the importance of good relations with Portugal, and she particularly praised the Portuguese engagement in Kosovo through their presence in the NATO peacekeeping force, KFOR. President Jahjaga said that KFOR continues to play an important role in maintenance of a safe environment and a contributor of peace and stability not only in Kosovo but in the whole region.
She also added that Kosovo has achieved considerable progress in the process of European integration and said that Kosovo aims to become member of the EU and NATO, which will in turn help the maintenance of the peace and stability, not only in the region.
Portuguese defence minister, Mr. José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, praised the achievements of Kosovo, and stated that European perspective of Kosovo and the whole region of Balkans is clear. He also stated that the presence of peacekeeping troupes in Kosovo, inclusive of the Portuguese ones, has helped the maintenance of a safe environment and said that Portugal will review the possibilities for the continuation of its contribution to the peacekeeping force.