Merkel after meeting Thaci: Kosovo to fight corruption, reduce unemployment

German Chancellor Angela Merkel urged Kosovo authorities to fight corruption and reduce unemployment, and added that the dialogue with Serbia is not a simple topic.

Merkel made these comments after receiving on Wednesday in Berlin Kosovo President Hashim Thaci. Addressing media after the meeting, Merkel said that Germany is Kosovo’s ally by supporting its European Union integration path. But she urged Kosovo leaders to do more in fighting organised crime and corruption. 

“We have many unresolved issues but there are improvements in the path towards the EU. I want to emphasise on the Europe Day that we have many challenges ahead, and challenges which needs to be addressed are fighting corruption, high level of unemployment,” Merkel said. 

When talking on Kosovo-Serbia dialogue which is being facilitated by the EU, Merkel said that this dialogue is not a simple topic, noting that there were some positive developments in this direction. “Agreements reached so far should be implemented,” Merkel said.

Kosovo President said that meeting with Chancellor Merkel confirms friendly relations between Kosovo and Germany. He said that Kosovo as a young country in Europe is obliged to contribute for peace and stability in the Western Balkan region. 

“Normalisation of relations between Kosovo and Serbia is vital,” Thaci said adding that all agreements reached during the EU-facilitated dialogue should be implemented by both countries, Gazeta Express reports. 

“My message is that Kosovo is ready to open a new chapter, to make the final step in dialogue with Serbia and reach an agreement,” Thaci said.

He said that final phase of dialogue with Serbia will not be easy noting that this is their only alternative to move forward. He said that the final agreement should lead towards mutual recognition saying that this will enable both Kosovo and Serbia to open new chapters in their EU integration journey.