Brussels, 2 September 2011
The delegation of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo headed by Deputy Prime Minister Edita Tahiri reached two agreements in this round of the technical dialogue, one on the reciprocal recognition of custom seals between the two states and one on the return of the cadastral documents.
The agreements reached today are in harmony with the Constitution of the Republic and the applicable laws of Kosovo and the Euro-Atlantic principles. The Government of the Republic of Kosovo has once again protected state and civil interests and has also reconfirmed its commitment to European and Euro-Atlantic integrations by giving a precious contribution to good neighborly relations, regional cooperation and fostering of overall stability in the region.
The agreement on reciprocal recognition of custom seals opens a perspective for a free trade relation between the two states in line with EU principles. With this agreement a reciprocal recognition has practically been achieved between the two states in the field of customs.
Serbia recognizes the custom seals of the Republic of Kosovo and the three-year old embargo of Serbia of the goods of the state of Kosovo has been eliminated. After reaching this agreement with positive effects for the trade and economy of Kosovo, the Government of the Republic of Kosovo will implement it as a sovereign and independent state in line with CEFTA principles.
The agreement on reciprocal recognition of custom seals opens new perspectives for the economic development of Kosovo and enhances the trade activities of our countries and also foreign investment. Kosovo producers will be able to export their goods to the neighboring state of Serbia and also use its transit roads to the regional and European market without any obstacle. This is also contributing to the trade, financial and fiscal stability of Kosovo by generating custom tax incomes for the budget of the Republic of Kosovo
Another important agreement for Kosovo has also been achieved in this round of the technical dialogue, that of the cadastral records, an agreement that obliges Serbia to bring back to Kosovo the cadastral records taken during the war. Through this agreement, the cadastral system of Kosovo which is electronic and built according to the best international models will be completed with the missing files and become comprehensive and compatible with the European Union principles.
The implementation of these agreements will start as soon as possible in the operational aspect.
Energy, telecommunications and regional cooperation were also discussed in this round of the technical dialogue and there was considerable progress made and new agreements are expected to be reached in the future rounds.
The delegation of the Republic of Kosovo acknowledged the contribution of the EU and US in reaching these agreements in this meeting.
The seventh round of the technical dialogue is expected to take place toward the end of September.
The Delegation of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, headed by Deputy Prime Minister Edita Tahiri is composed of Lirim Greiçevci – Political Advisor to the Prime Minister, Dren Zeka – Principal Political Advisor to Deputy Prime Minister Tahiri, Elona Cecelia – Political Advisor to Deputy Prime Minister Tahiri, Florent Bakija – representative of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ali Hamiti – head of the Energy Regulatory Office, Fadil Ismajli – head of the Transmission System and Electrical Energy Market Operator, Arben Gjukaj – Director of the Kosovo Energy Corporation, Ekrem Hoxha – Director of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, Naim Hurgulica – Director of the Kosovo Customs and Murat Meha – head of the Cadastral Agency.