Vjosa Osmani tells what Erdogan talked to Turkey

Osmani-Sadriu in the margins of Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF), centre of Congress NEST in the Belek resort in Antalya in a proposal for Anadolu Agency (AA) spoke about developments.

Kosovo's president, who was part of the ADF and the summit of heads of state and government of the Southeast European Co-operation Process (SEECP), said representatives of the participating countries expressed their views on regional and international issues at these meetings. “Also from the pandemic we learned how much it has connected to each other and how much we need each other”, she said.

It showed that, in addition to as speakers at various sessions within the ADF, it also held bilateral meetings, adding that “This platform was a very good opportunity to hold talks. In addition to the bilateral relations, we held meetings for the recognition of Kosovo as state”.

Osmani-Sadriou, showing that he held meetings with young people, said that “talked about experienced problems and solutions, not only as a person who entered politics at a young age 22 years ago, but we also talked about allowing our voice to be heard as a diplomat and young activist”.

“Need Turkey's support for membership in international organisations”

It further drew attention that new topics are found to reinforce relations between Turkey and Kosovo, among which it counted trade and cultural co-operation.

According to her, in both countries citizens who come from the other country live and that this group is like a bridge between the two countries. This case was also discussed with President Erdoğan. We also see progress in our cooperation in areas such as commerce, health, and protection. We have a lot to do economically. Therefore, we look forward to working with Erdoğan and Turkish institutions”, she said.

Osmani-Sadriu noted that in Kosovo there are many areas where Turkish businessmen can invest. Kosovo is a very good investment country. We have the youngest population in Europe, our human resources are very high, and the workforce is free. Our citizens know several languages and have become masters in the field of technology. 80 percent of the products produced in our country are sold in the US, which shows how high-quality these products are”, the president of Kosovo stressed.

She said that for resolving unemployment-related problems, investments are important, while Kosovo's potential is high.

Osmani-Sadriu stressed that Turkey's support is also needed in terms of recognition of Kosovo. “We need Turkey's support for membership in international organisations. We will continue to stay in touch to do everything concerning this issue in the international arena to continue Turkey's strong support, not only its vote but also its support. Because it is not only about our well-being and development, but it is also important for peace and stability in the region”.

“There is no problem with recognising Kosovo independence”

She, among other things, suggested that bilateral meetings in ADF margins have been productive, said that “Kosovo faces many problems Serbia and Russia challenge the process of recognition. I want to stress that Kosovo's independence is an irreversible process and nothing can stop us from this”.

Osmani- Sadriu announced that the number of countries that have recognised Kosovo has gone to over 100. We talk to countries that are geographically away from Kosovo and explain that independence is Kosovo's right. Politically, the International Court of Justice ruled that Kosovo's independence is in line with international law. Therefore, there is no problem in terms of recognising Kosovo's independence from other countries”, she said.

President Osmani- Sadriu spoke about the ongoing dialogue with Serbia. “Kosovo's status is a permanently resolved issue. Our current dialogue has to do with being able to live side by side like two neighbours, removing barriers to trade, talking about the disappearances in the war and discussing issues for the benefit of the peoples of both sovereign countries”, Kosovo president stressed.

She underlined that Kosovo's independence and borders in no way will come to the table, drawing attention that opening these issues for discussion would destabilise the region.

According to her, with the acceleration of Kosovo's recognition, European integration will also be accelerated.

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Osmani- Sadriu said her country has done what is due it to on its way to the European Union. I have to say it's the EU side that didn't do what's due it to regarding visa liberalisation. Especially in the area of visa liberalisation, although we have done our part three years ago, the EU has not yet fulfilled this pledge”, she said.

She stressed that some EU countries are setting obstacles to this process, adding that the European Commission and the European Parliament have an approach in favour of Kosovo.

Among other things Osmani- Sadriou voiced hope that even Albania and Northern Macedonia will accelerate the EU process, while saying this process has been delayed for the region.

Osmani-Sadriu stressed that Serbia is not sincere about EU membership. You cannot seek EU membership by doing everything with Russia in an economic, military and commercial way, increasing Russia's influence in the region. They have to decide what they want. For our region, the EU must be the only option. We don't want another option. The EU is always our only option and strategic target”, she stressed.