P R E S S EN Statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton

EUROPEAN UNION
Brussels, 8 December 2011
A 500/11
Statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton
following her meeting with Hashim Thaci, Prime Minister
of Kosovo
Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security
Policy and Vice-President of the Commission made the following statement today:
My meeting today with Hashim Thaci, Prime Minister of Kosovo, provided an opportunity to
discuss the European perspective for Kosovo, within the framework of the whole Western Balkans
region, as well as the latest positive results in the EU facilitated dialogue between Pristina and
Belgrade.
In the context of EU - Kosovo relations, I congratulated the Prime Minister on the forthcoming
launch of a visa dialogue, the intention of the EU to make progress on trade-related issues and on
Kosovo's participation in EU programmes. I also underlined the need for Kosovo to continue and
intensify its reform efforts.
I welcomed the latest dialogue agreement on the integrated management for crossing points (IBM),
stressed the importance of early implementation and look forward to new agreements, in particular
on regional cooperation. I encouraged the Prime Minister to remain fully committed to the process as
it will be of utmost importance for both parties as they take further steps towards fulfilling their EU
perspective.
I also stressed the important role of the EULEX mission for Kosovo's future development of the rule
of law and encouraged the Prime Minister to ensure constant and full support for EULEX's work.
____________________
P R E S S
FOR FURTHER DETAILS:
Michael Mann +32 498 999 780 - +32 2 299 97 80 - [email protected]
Maja Kocijancic +32 498 984 425 - +32 2 298 65 70 - [email protected]
Sebastien Brabant +32 498 986 433 - [email protected]
[email protected]
www.eeas.europa.eu
EN