Berlin, May 8th, \u2013 President of the Republic of Kosovo, Hashim Tha\u00e7i, on the first day of his official visit to Berlin, delivered a keynote address to the German Council on Foreign Relations.<\/p>\n
In front of many German state representatives and diplomats, representatives of the civil society and media outlets, President Tha\u00e7i said that Germany has proved itself to be a great friend and supporter of the Republic of Kosovo.<\/p>\n
He also stated that the people of Kosovo not so long ago did find shelter in this country, during the worst of times, and while a considerable number of those who sought shelter have returned to their homeland, a number is also well integrated into German society.<\/p>\n
\u201cGermany has supported Kosovo and Kosovars during their darkest times, through participation in NATO intervention. Germany is also one of the largest donors and investors in Kosovo, and is helping Kosovo in many sectors, from rule of law to investments in energy sector\u201d added President Tha\u00e7i.<\/p>\n
According to the President, Germany\u2019s role in support of Kosovo in the international arena remains crucial, as Berlin today has become one of the strongest symbols of the European democratic values and ideas.<\/p>\n
President Tha\u00e7i, speaking in relation to Kosovo\u2019s European perspective, stated that tomorrow, May the 9th, Europe Day, is a public holiday in Kosovo, and Kosovo is dedicated to its Euro-Atlantic perspective, while over 90 % of the Kosovars support Kosovo\u2019s EU and NATO membership.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to become members of the European Union and we want to join NATO as a member state. We want this to take place as quick as possible. We cherish the same hopes and wishes for all our neighbours in Western Balkans. Our fate and our history lie within the European family\u201d said Presdient Tha\u00e7i.<\/p>\n
He also pointed out three important issues, which he shared with the participants at tonight\u2019s address.<\/p>\n
\u201cFirst, it is the time to conclude the bilateral issues. In our region, there are many open issues between the 6 states. The most sensitive issue is the relations between Kosovo and Serbia. This is not a new issue. It is a hundred years old problem, and we tried to normalize relations, and now the time has come to do more than just constructive communications\u201d- said Presdient Tha\u00e7i. <\/p>\n
President Tha\u00e7i also pointed out that Germany was one of the first countries to recognize Kosovo\u2019s independence, followed by 116 other recognitions, and membership in around 200 international organisations.<\/p>\n
\u201cSecond, we have lost decades in crisis and wars, and in our region we must concentrate in interconnections between our states. Interconnections became the focus of Berlin Process, which is one of the most important German diplomatic initiatives on Western Balkans\u201d, added Mr. President.<\/p>\n
According to him, Kosovo is eternally grateful to Germany, and other EU member states which share the same position with Germany, for bringing back Western Balkans on the agenda and its enlargement process.\u00a0 <\/p>\n
President Tha\u00e7i, in the presence of many participants at one of the most prestigious foreign policy institutions in Germany, said that Sofia Summit is a historic event, as for the first time ever, all leaders of the EU member states will meet with the leaders of the six Western Balkans states.<\/p>\n
\u201c We are all very interested to utilize to our benefit the positive momentum which resulted from the European Commission\u2019s Strategy on Western Balkans, approved in February of this year\u201d \u2013added President Tha\u00e7i.<\/p>\n
As the third issue, President Tha\u00e7i mentioned the need for Germany to be bolder and even more direct in Western Balkans. <\/p>\n
\u201cFor a certain number of years, we suffered a lack of diplomatic focus in the Balkans. Today, nationalism and extremism are more dangerous than a year ago. We cannot remain on this status-quo forever.\u00a0 But, for the agreement between Kosovo and Serbia, we require greater engagement of our friends in Berlin, Brussels and Washington\u201d.<\/p>\n
According to President Tha\u00e7i, there are certain ideas which he will be discussing with Chancellor Merkel tomorrow, on how to engage Brussels 100 % on the next stage of the dialogue.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am convinced that chancellor Merkel will be providing the necessary directions, the due time and the necessary frame work. Why do I say this?\u00a0 I say it because I strongly believe that Kosovo, Serbia, and Western Balkans believe in Germany\u201d, said President Tha\u00e7i.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, Ambassador Wolfgang Ischinger said that EU needs greater leadership.<\/p>\n
\u201cI agree with you Mr. President, and with the message you shall be conveying to chancellor Merkel tomorrow. Leadership by EU is necessary, particularly one from Berlin. Without it, things will just not happen\u201d, said Mr. Ischinger. <\/p>\n
President Tha\u00e7i and Ambassador Ischinger also said that EU must not delay the visa liberalisation and that it must happen during this calendar year.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Berlin, May 8th, \u2013 President of the Republic of Kosovo, Hashim Tha\u00e7i, on the first day of his official visit to Berlin, delivered a keynote address to the German Council on Foreign Relations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":27355,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[111,112],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-68252","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-vizitat-nderkombetare"],"yoast_head":"\n