Prenkaj: Both Kosovo and Serbia have the same allies in the Western Hemisphere

Former Ambassador of Kosovo to Italy, Albert Prenkaj, stated that both Kosovo and Serbia share the same allies in the Western Hemisphere, who are interested in helping facilitate the normalization of their relations, as well as supporting their accession to the European Union by 2030.

"I believe that Kosovo and Serbia have those same allies who are interested in facilitating and helping to achieve a very important legally binding agreement on the normalization of relations. The EU and the US, as well as Russia and China, are interested in both states, Kosovo and Serbia, reaching an understanding to work together on economic cooperation and eventually both becoming full members of the EU, along with all other countries in the region by 2030," Prenkaj told Kosovo Online.

Commenting on the role of Central and South American countries in that process, Prenkaj emphasized that the Western Balkans is a "sensitive crossroads" of interest to many.

"Both Kosovo and Serbia, as sensitive crossroads of the southeastern European peninsula, are of particular importance for peace and stability, and moreover, for the economic development of both societies and their citizens. That is why I believe our region belongs to the sphere of interest of the Western Hemisphere. And by that, I mean not only the Western Balkans countries but also Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, and Slovenia," the analyst clarified.

He reminded that the Brussels Dialogue enabled the normalization process and contributed to Kosovo and Serbia becoming factors of peace and stability in Southeastern Europe.

"The dialogue process itself was a factor of peace, security, and stability in the region," he stressed.

Prenkaj specified that the "Western Hemisphere" wants to strengthen cooperation with both Pristina and Belgrade, and that this has led to Kosovo becoming a full member of regional initiatives over the years: including the Berlin Process, the Western Balkans Six, the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO), and the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC).

"I must emphasize that just as Kosovo, as a new state, is a project of the Western Hemisphere, Serbia is also an important ally of Western countries – the EU, the US, and even NATO. Although Serbia’s foreign policy doctrine is based on four pillars: Washington, Brussels, Moscow, and Beijing, in my opinion, despite maintaining close ties with Moscow for the sake of balance, it also has very intensive cooperation with the EU, particularly with Paris, Berlin, and Budapest, and especially with the US. Serbia also has good relations with NATO. Even though Serbia is neutral, let’s not forget that it is part of the Partnership for Peace, aimed at enhancing stability and security throughout Europe," Prenkaj emphasized.