Why did Pendarovski come to a surprise visit to Kosovo?

Northern Macedonia President Stevo Pendarovski has indicated why he came to Kosovo for a visit, which for many was surprising.

He said there is no particular reason for this visit, and suggested that Macedonian soldiers serving under the KFOR mission will also visit Pec.

The head of the Macedonian state added, among other things, that he saw fit to meet and speak with President Vjosa Osmani and Prime Minister Albin Kurti during today's visit to Kosovo.

Besides, Pendarovski also talked about political developments in Macedonia, with which he said the technical government issue had been resolved earlier and the country goes to the polls for 100 days.

Republic of Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani has received the president of the Republic of Northern Macedonia, Stevo Pendarovski, on working visit today.

At the meeting with her counterpart, according to the presidency office's announcement, Osmani reportedly reaffirmed his commitment to continuing excellent relations with northern Macedonia.

The “Albanians in northern Macedonia, according to President Osmani, are the bridge between the two states and the pillar of stability, but also the North Macedonia European integration process. President Osmani has thanked President Pendarovski for his personal commitment to the excellent reports between Kosovo and Northern Macedonia. According to President Osmani, the two states have common vision for a stable and integrated Western Balkans in the EU”, the report said.

Osmani expressed gratitude for support and co-operation from Northern Macedonia, stressing the importance of joint efforts for regional stability.

President Osmani said that with the support of friendly states like Northern Macedonia, Kosovo could advance on the path to European integration.

“in this context, President Osmani said membership in the Council of Europe is in the function of protecting the human rights of all Kosovo citizens indiscriminately”, the president was quoted as saying.

According to Osmani, Kosovo has witnessed serious commitment to the process of radical reforms, so it emphasises it deserves to obtain EU candidate status.

President Osmani has stressed that Northern Macedonia is not only neighbouring Kosovo, but also partners in many processes.

The European integration process is a priority that unites us and in this way we will continue to help each other”, she stressed.

In this context, according to President Osmani, the inclusion of Kosovo in the PfP -- and then in NATO -- has a strategic significance and is also a guarantee of Kosovo's stability, but also of the region.

The two leaders confirmed that there is potential for deepening co-operation in the area of trade, cultural, health, education, agriculture, tourism, information technology and other areas of common interest.