Sobotka: Kosovo to implement the agreements, this is especially true for the CSM

The President of the National Council of Austria, Wolfgang Sobotka, said today that the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina had no alternative, and that Kosovo should engage in the implementation of the agreement, especially in connection with the establishment of the Community of Serbian Municipalities.

Sobotka, in a conversation with his Kosovo colleague Glauk Konjufca, informed himself about the progress in the dialogue and emphasized that the dialogue does not have a "realistic alternative", and that it is important to remain constructive in those talks.

"Therefore, it should be welcomed that Kosovo and Serbia accepted the proposal for the normalization of relations, which has become part of the European accession perspective. Kosovo must now make dedicated efforts to achieve progress in implementation. This especially refers to the establishment of an association of municipalities with a Serbian majority," he stressed.

The announcement of the National Council of Austria states that Sobotka spoke today in Pristina with the Speaker of the Assembly Glauk Konjufca, as well as Prime Minister Albin Kurti about bilateral relations and the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.

Sobotka underlined that the approximation of the countries of the Western Balkans to the European Union is a very important issue.

"Given the changed geopolitical situation, it is more important than ever for the Western Balkans to be more closely linked to the EU," explained Sobotka.

Austria, he emphasized, therefore supports Kosovo's accession perspective, adding that it is important to consistently implement reforms and show visible results along the way.

Sobotka assessed that the relations between Austria and Kosovo are good and reminded that Austria is the fourth foreign investor in Kosovo.

He pointed out that Kosovo is one of Austria's focal points in terms of cooperation in development, adding that the country supports 11 projects with a focus on the economic development of rural areas and higher education.

He also reminded that Austria currently participates with 283 soldiers in the KFOR mission, making it the largest contingent from non-NATO countries.

After her visit to Kosovo, Sobotka will make an official visit to Montenegro, where he will meet the President of the Montenegrin Parliament, Danijela Djurovic, tomorrow.

On Wednesday, he will visit Serbia where, in addition to talks with the Speaker of the Parliament, Vladimir Orlic, he is also scheduled to meet with the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic.