Prishtina, 24 June 2010
Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi has met with UK Minister of State for Europe David Lidington, in a working lunch hosted by the British Embassy in Kosovo.
Prime Minister Thaçi and Minister Lidington of the UK discussed current political developments in Kosovo and the South East Europe region and the Kosovo Government’s commitment to meet all requirements for Kosovo’s membership into the Euro-Atlantic institutions.
The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude for Minister Lidington’s visit and for the continuous support of the United Kingdom for the Republic of Kosovo. He also emphasized his commitment and that of the Kosovo Government to Kosovo’s European perspective and to good governance, economic development, and an uncompromising fight against corruption and organized crime.
Prime Minister Thaçi added that, without wanting to prejudge the upcoming opinion of the International Court of Justice, a new perspective of recognitions and international integration will open for Kosovo, following this opinion.
The Prime Minister said that Kosovo is carrying out its obligations in terms of necessary reforms for European integration, and that it expects the dialogues on visa liberalization, trade relations and stabilization and association to be initiated during this year.
For his part, the British Minister for Europe expressed the full support of the UK Government and of Prime Minister David Cameron for the independence, territorial integrity and European perspective of the Republic of Kosovo.
Minister David Lidington also conveyed a letter to Prime Minister Thaçi from Prime Minister David Cameron.
The following is an excerpt of the letter from Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom:
“The United Kingdom is a firm supporter of the Republic of Kosovo’s development as an independent, prosperous and multi-ethnic state, and will work closely in support of Kosovo’s aspirations for Euro-Atlantic integration.
I look forward to building further on the strong tradition of friendship and co-operation between the United Kingdom and Kosovo.”
