Hoti for VOA: Economic agreement first step towards final agreement

Voice of America: Prime Minister Hoti tells us a little bit about the agreement that was signed and also whether other political topics have been mentioned at this meeting.

Avdullah Hoti: I think it's a big, very important day for Kosovo and the region. The agreement concerns normalising economic relations between the two countries and supporting major infrastructure projects that better connect the two countries' economies, creating better access to the region and Europe, creating hundreds of thousands of new jobs in both countries and beyond the two countries across the region. I want to thank the US administration for its powerful support, very good news for Kosovo that is part of the agreement. I now have just completed the necessary discussions, and we expect to get early recognition from Israel and establish rapid diplomatic relations and economic co-operation between the two countries. I believe this is a huge achievement with US assistance. In this very important and holy house for Kosovo and Albanians, good agreements have always been reached, and this time the agreement paves the way for full normalisation of relations between Kosovo and Serbia to mutual recognition, so this is the approach we have been pursuing and asked by President Trump and his excellent team that have postponed this agreement.

Voice of America: When you say you're out of the way, then what's different on the political side today that wasn't yesterday, and what about the topics discussed yesterday for mutual recognition?

Avdullah Hoti: Today is the first step towards normalising economic relations and towards final agreements. Today is not the final agreement between Kosovo and Serbia. It is an agreement for economic co-operation to normalise economic relations in the countries, but I see and all of us together as a major step by bringing the final agreement that is mutual recognition. I publicly said this issue, for us a major achievement towards finalising the agreement with Serbia.

Voice of America: What happened to the point of mutual recognition, left for a later time, how will the talks continue?

Avdullah Hoti: The talks will certainly continue and will be in Brussels on Monday, so at a meeting with President Vucic to discuss reaching the final agreement for mutual recognition.