Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue: Remarks by the High Representative / Vice-President Josep Borrell upon arrival

07.09.2020
Brussels

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Today, I will host again, together with the European Union Special Representative Miroslav Lajčák, the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić and the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Avdullah Hoti. This is the third high-level meeting of the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and second in-person, since it resumed last July.

The Negotiators worked to follow up on the topics we discussed in our last meeting: the issue of missing and displaced persons and economic cooperation.

They met four times, here in Brussels, with the last meeting taking place only yesterday and on Saturday.

These talks, as you may understand, are not always easy. That is why I am happy to see the commitment and the respect by both sides.

I welcome that they confirmed this jointly also ahead of today’s meeting.

In their joint statement, both recalled that they are attached to the European Union integration, that they give the highest priority to that and that they will continue to work on the European Union-facilitated Dialogue.

They also committed to redoubling their efforts to ensure further EU alignment in accordance with their respective obligations.

Naturally, their positions differ, but they come back here again to find common ground and to work towards a comprehensive normalisation of their relations - dealing with all outstanding issues.

Today, we will speak about two additional very important topics: arrangements for non-majority communities and the settlement of mutual financial claims and property.

Both topics are very sensitive and very important for the future relationship between Kosovo and Serbia and for the everyday life of their people.

As always, you will be informed about results of today’s dialogue by the Special Representative Miroslav Lajčák at the end of the meeting.

Thank you very much for your attention.

Link to the video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-194431

Peter Stano
Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
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Zoi Muletier
Press Officer for Neighbourhood and Enlargement/Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
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