Thaci in Dubrovnik: Kosovo takes over SEECP chairmanship in near future

Before the presidents of the region and other participants in this summit, President Thaci has thanked Croatian President Grabar -Kitarovic and Croatia for a successful SEECP chairmanship.

As the Presidency reports, President Thaci has stressed that co-operation is the key to preserving peace and stability, but also to the future of membership in the European Union and NATO.

“Despite the fact that we still have slight challenges in our region, I think recent developments have given us reason for optimism that things can still go in the right direction”, President Thaci has said.

He has said it is true that in recent months most countries of the region passed through periods of necessary democratic tests, which in some cases were accompanied by political uncertainty, but these political developments also confirm that citizens of the region prefer political options that promote dialogue, co-operation and integration.

The message is clear. We love the EU because of the values it represents and the economic opportunities it offers. This is the best message for the region, from the region, but also for the EU and NATO”, President Thaci has stressed.

Before the counterparts of the region and EU representatives, the president has said this is also the best lesson for all who look at our region with suspicion.

According to him, the good moment in the region corresponds to the positive moment that is slowly emerging in the EU, stressing that elections in Austria, the Netherlands and France have given a new hope for all of us, testifying that populist ideas that were threatening the European Union's own idea were short-lived.

The future is not divided but integrated. That is why forums like this are important for all of us, to reconfirm our commitment to regional co-operation, but also for the realisation of our aspirations for EU and NATO membership”, he has added.

President Thaci before many presidents and ministers of the region has said the Republic of Kosovo remains committed to participation in the SEECP, making its merit contribution.

Based on this commitment, he has said the proposal has been put forward for Kosovo to take over the chairmanship of the Southeast European Co-operation Process in the near future.

We are encouraged by the support this proposal has received. This is evidence that the SEECP remains a forum promoting equality, inclusive and co-operation values”, he has said.

Speaking of developments in Kosovo, President Thaci has said that nearly two decades have passed since the war ended in Kosovo and almost a decade since Kosovo became an independent state.

We know the dangers of conflict and the suffering caused by war. That's why we're set for a new chapter for our” region, he said.

Thaci has also talked about visits he made to members of war communities.

I wanted not only to know their pain and suffering but also to support efforts for reconciliation and justice”, President Thaci has said.

He has added that Kosovo remains committed to cultivating good interethnic relations with all states of the region, including Serbia.

“Dialog for normalising relations between two respective states -- Kosovo and Serbia -- has produced positive results. Therefore, I, even now as president, express readiness to continue this dialogue, as the only mechanism for the full normalisation of our interstate relations”, President Thaci has said.

Under this summit, President Thaci will hold meetings during the day with various representatives of the participating states.