Italian minister: Kosovo should not fear for dialogue, visas to be made soon

Italy's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Luigi Di Maio, has said visa liberalisation for Kosovo must happen very soon.

He said Italy's priority is economic growth and fighting corruption.

We have witnessed today with the signing of a two-way agreement. With the minister we agreed to continue this road to reinforce co-operation between the two countries. The path of reforms Kosovo must undertake and draw closer to the EU, Italy is convinced that Kosovo will be in Europe and visa liberalisation will become as soon as possible. To have a reconciliation in the region because they are a good instrument of EU integration. I presented the support for the dialogue with Serbia. Encourage Kosovo to press ahead for results. Relief from the EU and support from the US is great support. Kosovo cannot be afraid of dialogue but go on”.

Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Minister Donika Grovalla has said the link between the two countries is strong and old.

“Several weeks ago we held a joint military exercise in Kosovo. Our country is committed to EU and NATO membership. Maio knows that thousands of Albanians have settled in Italy after Skenderbeu's death. Even today, villages speak the old dialects of Albanian. The link between Italy and us is very much alive and very old. We had a great meeting in terms of atmosphere and results”, Gervala expressed itself.

“Italy is a friend of Kosovo. Signing the agreement to abolish double taxes will make economic co-operation less bureaucratic and will impact foreign direct investment from Italy to Kosovo”.