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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Relations between Serbia, Albania crucial for regional stability

Belgrade, 12 March 2010

Serbian and Albanian Ministers of Foreign Affairs Vuk Jeremic and Iljir Meta said last night that the relations between their countries are crucial for the stability of the entire region, which is why they must boost their cooperation with the aim of a joint European future.

Author: Фонет

At a joint press conference following their meeting Jeremic stressed it is imperative to improve the relations between Serbs and Albanians, adding that they are currently greatly burdened by political differences regarding the issue of Kosovo-Metohija’s future status.

Belgrade and Tirana have contrasting stances on this issue and this difference in opinion has not been reduced through these talks. However, we agreed to isolate this differing opinion so as not to encumber our relations in other spheres, Jeremic said.

The Minister noted that Serbia strongly supports visa liberalisation for Albanian citizens and Albania’s full membership of the EU.

Jeremic voiced his pleasure at the first visit of his Albanian counterpart to Serbia, adding that there is huge potential for cooperation between their countries, especially in cultural, scientific and technical spheres.

We live in the same region. We have no other home apart from the Western Balkans and it is in our mutual interest to maintain good relations between Serbs and Albanians, he said.

Jeremic noted that he and Meta also looked at the position of the Albanian minority in the Presevo valley and the position of the Serbian minority in Albania, voicing his hope that their status will be further enhanced in the future.

Meta, who is also the Albanian Deputy Prime Minister, said that Serbia and Albania do have opposing stances about Kosovo-Metohija, but added that on the other hand, they agree that the future of the entire region is within the EU.

He said that Belgrade and Tirana play the key role in the reconciliation process in the region, adding that his visit to Serbia opens a new era in the relations between their two states.

Meta said that yesterday in Belgrade he and the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior signed an agreement on cooperation in combating organised crime, while with Jeremic he signed a Protocol on Cooperation between their ministries.

He said that Albania will resolve the issue of the Serbian minority’s status in line with European standards.

Meta highlighted that his visit to Serbia coincides with the anniversary of death of prime minister Zoran Djindjic, who was hugely respected by authorities in Tirana because of his vision of good neighbourly relations.

The Albanian Minister stressed that Albania is willing to sign other important agreements with Serbia, including ones about air traffic, issuing driving licences and the international transport of goods and passengers.

The two foreign ministers said they agreed that representatives of their countries should visit each other at various levels in order to improve cooperation in all areas and exchange experiences on the path towards the EU.