17 minutes agoNew EU Ambassador to Kosovo Takes Task With a Vision of Progress
Periskopi(2 years ago)
(2 years ago)Ambassador Aivo Orav, Estonian diplomat with over 30 years of national and EU experience, in diplomacy and EU affairs, took office today as chief of the EU Office in Kosovo/European Union's Special Representative in Kosovo. Ambassador Orav, who formerly served as the Eternal Representative of [...]
“With great satisfaction and a deep sense of responsibility I am taking the post of EU Office chief/EU Special Representative in Kosovo, an important EU partner in the Western Balkans. I pledge that I will work side by side with the local and international EU partners in Kosovo to advance our diplomatic and political relations, consolidate the EU's position as investor, trade partner and Kosovo's biggest donor, and support Kosovo's path towards the EU and EU-related reforms”, Ambassador Orav said.
Taking into account the challenging geopolitical situation, Ambassador Orav pledged to co-ordinate all EU presences on the ground, including EULEX, to promote a stable, peaceful, democratic and multiethnic Kosovo.
“During my mandate, my vision is for Kosovo to progress decisively on its path to the EU, which will bring tangible benefits to its people”, Ambassador Orar said. He added that EU financial and technical assistance could help Kosovo implement vital reforms that would improve the quality of living for all, especially in the areas of rule of law, the fight against corruption and organised crime, human rights, the economy, public administration, the functioning of democratic institutions, energy, environment and legislation. Ambassador Orav expressed his readiness to contribute a new dynamic to EU-Kosovo relations, which could enable continued EU financial assistance to Kosovo.
Kosovo will also benefit from the Western Balkans Growth Plan, which will bring EU Western Balkan partners closer to the common EU market, stimulate economic growth and accelerate socio-economic convergence. I understand that Kosovo has accepted the opportunities offered and has acquired a large share of ownership in preparing the Reforms Agreement, which should be implemented over the time, said Ambassador Orav.
Stressing that the EU is not complete without the Western Balkans, Ambassador Orav concluded: “Coming from Estonia, a country whose membership in the European Union has been a success story, I am committed to taking one more step to support Kosovo as well as becoming a success story of the EU”.
