Calculating Thaci letter for 12th anniversary of Independence

In this letter, the French president has written that since 2008, our two countries have built a relationship of trust.

“Finance stands by Kosovo to help overcome the challenges it faces today, especially in consolidating the rule of law, economic and social development, within the framework of the French strategy for the Western Balkans, which I adopted last spring. The French Development Agency plans to start operating in Kosovo this year. Our bilateral co-operation also supports the European reform agenda in the country”, he wrote.

President Macro has further welcomed the smooth development of the October 6th legislative elections, as well as the formation, now late in Kosovo's new government.

It is important that Kosovo continue its efforts to implement the necessary domestic reforms and firmly engage in seeking an agreement with Serbia”, it has written, the president's information office reports.

According to the French president, Kosovo can count on supporting and willingness to welcome, in Paris, a summit uniting leaders of Kosovo and Serbia, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and European Union High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security Josp Borrell, to facilitate the resumption of dialogue.

“Action for this is expected from both sides: Kosovo suspending the 100% tax on products from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina; and suspending the campaign for Serbia's “recognition”. As dialogue resumes, it is the European Union's turn of mediation, with France's support, to facilitate talks between the two sides with the aim of reaching a comprehensive, final and legally binding” agreement, it has written.

Finally, France's president, Emmanuel Macron, has congratulated President Thaci and the people of Kosovo on the 12th anniversary of independence.

This is the letter of the president of France, Emmanuel Macron:

Mr. Mayor,

On the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of Kosovo, I am happy to address you, in my name and in the name of the French people, my sincere greetings.

Since 2008, our two countries have been building a relationship of trust. France stands alongside Kosovo to help overcome the challenges it faces today, especially in consolidating the rule of law, economic and social development, within the framework of the French strategy for the Western Balkans that I adopted last spring. The French Development Agency plans to start operating in Kosovo this year. Our bilateral co-operation also supports the European reform agenda in the country.

I also want to welcome the peaceful development of the legislative elections of October 6th, as well as the formation, now late in Kosovo's new government. It is important that Kosovo continue its efforts to implement necessary domestic reforms and firmly engage in the search for an agreement with Serbia.

As I mentioned on November 12th last year, during the Paris Peace Forum, you can count on my support and willingness to welcome, in Paris, a summit uniting Kosovo and Serbian leaders, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and European Union High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security Josp Borrell, to facilitate the resumption of dialogue. Action is expected from both sides: Kosovo suspension of the 100% tax on products from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina; and suspension of the campaign for Serbia's “c) recognition”. After the dialogue is resumed, it is the European Union's turn of mediation, with France's support, to facilitate talks between the two sides with the aim of reaching a comprehensive, final and legally binding agreement.

By renewing my warm wishes, I beg you to accept, Lord President, the expression of my highest consideration.