President of the Republic of Kosovo, Mrs. Atifete Jahjaga, met today in New York with the Secretary of State of the Vatican, Cardinal Petro Parolin.
President Jahjaga highly praised the visit of Pope Francis to Albania and his messages of peace and understanding between people. She added that this visit is also symbolically important for all the countries of the region of South-Eastern Europe and their neighbourly relations.
President Jahjaga added that Kosovo, since its declaration of independence in 2008, has become an important factor of peace and stability and a promoter of good neighbourliness. She stated that Kosovo is build upon civic principles and its biggest value is religious tolerance nurtured for centuries.
Cultural and religious heritage of Kosovo, said Madam President, is the biggest wealth of the country, under the protection of its institutions and citizens of Kosovo themselves.
Speaking in relation to the international consolidation of the country, President Jahjaga said that Kosovo today is recognised by 108 countries of the world and that recognition by Vatican would be of a great importance.
State Secretary of the Vatican, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, expressed his interest in actual developments in Kosovo, on the dialogue process between Kosovo and Serbia on normalisation of relations as well as on European perspective of Kosovo and of the region. He also added that the Holy See is closely following the developments in Kosovo and the advances in relations between the countries of the Balkan region.