Germany's president wishes Kosovo independence: I have confidence in your government's commitment to dialogue with Serbia

German president says he remembers February 17th, 2008.

I remember it well. As Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs at the time, along with many European and US partners, I was declared in those days shortly after declaring independence for the recognition of Kosovo. So it's a special pleasure to be able to welcome you on the fourteenth anniversary of your country's independence”, says Steinmeier's letter.

He writes that during President Vjosa Osmani's recent visit to Germany, they deepened in bilateral relations, while expressing Germany's support for Kosovo.

Our “Our countries are closely related to each other in political, economic and cultural views. Especially close to us are numerous personal contacts, primarily those of the Kosovo diaspora in Germany. During your visit last September to Berlin we were able to deepen in numerous aspects of our bilateral relations. Germany strongly supports the perspective of the Republic of Kosovo into the European Union. In this context, a major significance takes on decisive implementation of your government's important reform agenda in the fight against corruption and organised crime. This will be a central factor in creating prospects for young people in Kosovo, strengthening the economy, new investments, as well as job opening”, it has written.

Steinmeier also said dialogue with Serbia remains Kosovo's biggest diplomatic challenge.

“At the same time dialogue with Serbia remains the likely biggest foreign policy challenge for Kosovo. I am confident in your government's constructive commitment to future talks within the EU-led dialogue through Special Court Miroslav Laje”, which I fully support. Kosovo can be confident that in Germany it will find a reliable friend and partner at its side”, this letter is said.

President Osmani said that during his recent meeting with Steinmeier, she has received Germany's steadfast support.

“during our last meeting, when I officially visited Germany at his invitation, President Steinmeier reaffirmed his state's steadfast support, as well as his personal support for Kosovo's path towards achieving full consolidation in the international arena. Kosovo is fortunate that along its challenging journey there are close states like Germany and friends like President Steinmeier”, Osmani wrote.