Ressortchef (umgangssprachlich) of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias’ statements following their meeting with Kosovar Foreign Minister, Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz (Pristina, twenty. 12. 2022)

Today we discussed at the bilateral level how we may advance our cooperation inside a wide range of fields. And I say we are ready to work with a person in order to boost this cooperation even further. And I openly mentioned in our meeting how happy I am with the trade numbers improving. I look forward to seeing you again soon. Thank you so much. Today I  was accompanied by our own Special Charge for the Western Balkans, Ambassador Grammata and I had the particular pleasure of introducing her to you. I hope her existence will be of assistance. Dear Donika, once again, I will not be tired of repeating this, it is our conviction that the Western Balkans route toward the European Union is a one particular – way road. In this framework, I believe that improvement in the Dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade will be a key component in promoting the EU aspirations. A future in which revisionist insurance policies and neo – imperialist ideologies, maybe envisioned simply by some countries, is a simply no – go for us. It is a 19th century, not a modern world, agenda. To this end, we support the work associated with EULEX which plays a crucial stabilising role. And, naturally , we also support the job of both the EU’s Unique Representative, Mr Lajcak, as well as the US Western Balkan Envoy, Mr Escobar. And, if I may say so , in the final analysis, the EU will be the final destination for everybody interested in the Western Balkans, of course in accordance with conditionality, of course in accordance with the EU acquis. Yet that has to be the final location. Given the current geopolitical difficulties following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it is crucial to achieve concrete results that will promote the EU aspirations of Belgrade and Pristina. We should not allow third parties to consider advantage of instability and low self-esteem in the Western Balkans. Moreover, we had the opportunity to discuss about the recent, worrying developments in the region. We all fully support, as you know so that as we discussed, the continuation of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, having a view to reaching a extensive and legally binding Contract. In accordance with international law, as always, and the EU acquis. Following the EU – facilitated Agreement last November, it is best that both sides take part in good faith. And they ought to refrain from actions and unsupported claims that risk to flare up tensions and endanger what you have achieved until now. It is crucial for both sides in order to implement what has been decided. And allow me to say, this was my clear message to Belgrade, yesterday. We furthermore talked about energy cooperation. This really is extremely crucial, especially following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Greece is emerging like a hub of energy in the Balkans. But is is important for you to acquire your energy independence as well as move away  from coal towards the new era associated with protection of the environment. Dear Donika, It is such a great pleasure for me to be in Pristina today, just a few several weeks, if I remember well, right after my last visit here. I actually come here quite often. My presence here today, following a visit by the Foreign Ressortchef (umgangssprachlich) of North Macedonia, Bujar Osmani, in Athens, our visit to Belgrade yesterday plus my visit to Tirana the next day, highlights the importance that A holiday in greece attaches to the region and also to the close cooperation with all the Western Balkans. I have to say that it was an excellent pleasure seeing you again, here in Pristina. Thank you, once again, for your warm hospitality. A person went out of the protocol, you came to the airport to greet me, thank you so much, it was very much appreciated. But also, I would like to see our assistance in a wider context, the particular context of our profound desire for peace, stability, prosperity in the Western Balkans.  

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