The future of Kosovo lies in Europe, therefore the negotiations on the association agreement between the EU and Kosovo need to be concluded as soon as possible – Parliamentary State Secretary Zsolt Németh from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared on 11 February 2014.
Speaking after his meeting in Budapest with Kosovan Minister of Diaspora Ibrahim Makolli, the Hungarian State Secretary highlighted that Hungary was among the first to recognise Kosovo after the declaration of independence in February 2008. Hungary’s position is that European Union should successfully conclude the talks about the Association Treaty as soon as possible. It is also important to sign the visa waiver agreement at the earliest, because Kosovo is the last country on the Western Balkans whose citizens require a visa to travel to EU Member States, he pointed out. Mr. Németh mentioned that Foreign Minister of Kosovo Enver Hoxhaj would be visiting Budapest in the near future.
Zsolt Németh stressed that minority issues have a direct relevance on the European integration process. The Hungarian State Secretary welcomed the fruitful talks between Kosovo and Serbia and the gradual development of a viable autonomy for the Serbian community in Kosovo. Functioning autonomy brings the Kosovar and Hungarian ambitions into line with respect to minority issues, he said.
Mr. Németh emphasised that more and more Central and Eastern European countries are beginning to understand that the existence of minorities within and outside its borders demands the development of principles that ensure the survival of these communities, as well as cooperation between these communities and the state.
(Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
