Kurti in Zagreb with Plenković: For normalization of Kosovo-Serbia relations, a 'normal Serbia' is needed

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković said in Zagreb on Friday that Croatia wants the dialogue process between Kosovo and Serbia to lead to the normalization of relations and mutual recognition, but his Kosovar counterpart Albin Kurti stated that a "normal Serbia" is needed for this, which is currently not "democratic".

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti is on an official visit to Croatia with a delegation of ministers.

An honorary company of the Croatian Army was also present at the reception, and all of this clearly shows the stance of Croatia as a country, which is among the group of countries that have clearly and unequivocally recognized Kosovo and fully support its sovereignty and independence, HRT reports.

The two countries also signed a series of intergovernmental agreements and memoranda this morning, including an Agreement on the mutual recognition of driving licenses, as well as an Agreement on mutual assistance in case of natural disasters.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, after the meeting, once again welcomed Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti.

- I am pleased that this is his first official visit. Bilaterally to Croatia, and a return visit after my visit to Pristina a few years ago, Plenković added.

He emphasized that at today's meeting, they discussed the relations between Croatia and Kosovo, which are traditionally friendly and good.

Today, the focus was on topics that connect the two countries.

- First of all, good economic relations. Last year, economic exchange reached almost 200 million euros. This year, for the first eight months, it approached 15 million euros, said Plenković.

He emphasized that the Government is satisfied with the participation of the Croatian Army, which has been renewing its participation within KFOR for years. Currently, there are more than 15 Croatian soldiers in Kosovo.

Minister of Defense Ivan Anušić will visit Kosovo next week and talk with his counterpart and Kosovar authorities. He will also visit the Croatian contingent.

Plenković added that six agreements were signed today, two within the scope of the Ministry of Labor, and four related to the cooperation of the Ministries of Internal Affairs.

The position of the Croatian minority in Kosovo was also discussed. Croats living in Janjevo and Letnica. Croatia advocates for the rights of Albanians living in Croatia.

He added that Croatia strongly supports Kosovo's path towards membership in the European Union.

- We want a stable Kosovo and for the dialogue process between Kosovo and Serbia to result in the normalization of relations and mutual recognition, which would also put Kosovo in a position to adequately move towards the European Union, said Plenković.

He added that this process is not as fast and effective "as Kurti and the entire government would like to see" because five member states of the Union still do not recognize Kosovo.

Kurti: We insist that Brussels pressure Belgrade

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti emphasized that a very important visit, an official visit to Croatia, was held today.

- On behalf of the Kosovar people and the Government of the Republic, I want to express my warmest thanks to the Croatian Government for the invitation and the warmest welcome. We started this visit with a cordial meeting with my friend, and a great friend, your example, the Croatian example, Mr. Plenković. With him and our delegations, we discussed the excellent relations we enjoy, as well as the possibilities for new forms of cooperation between our countries, he added.

He emphasized that Kosovo is ready to further deepen this cooperation, and this was interpreted today through a series of agreements, memoranda, and contracts that will further strengthen relations.

- Kosovo and Croatia have a sincere friendship, a strong partnership. And of course, it is all based on our common values. We believe in democratic values and have directed ourselves towards Euro-Atlantic integration in its entirety. Croatia, which was very brave, the Croatian people managed to build a functional society after liberation and successfully integrate into all international institutions, and this is a great inspiration for all peoples who strive to build a just, democratic, functional society that will ensure well-being for all its citizens. For this, we are very grateful and we also appreciate our compatriots who made a great contribution to the Homeland War in Croatia, among whom many lost their lives, and among whom are those who are still missing, said Kurti.

He said he wants to thank Croatia for its active contribution to Kosovo's security through the participation of the Croatian Army in the peacekeeping mission.

Prime Minister Kurti said that Kosovo wants good neighborly relations, but that normal relations also require a "normal Serbia," which he said is "not a democratic state".

- We have the Brussels agreement, and it is modeled after the two Germanys of 1972, which de facto mutually recognized each other. We also have an agreement on its implementation, but every week Belgrade commits various violations of this agreement and does not allow its implementation, said Kurti.

- We insist that Brussels pressure Belgrade so that they respect the agreement and implement it as soon as possible, and in this way achieve the normalization of relations as two normal states, he said.

Regarding the explosion that damaged the canal

The Kosovo Prime Minister also referred to the explosion last month that damaged the canal supplying water to two thermal power plants that generate almost all electricity in Kosovo.

He reiterated previous claims that "everything indicates that this was not an act of ordinary citizens, but an attack supported and orchestrated by Serbia, as during the attack in Banjska and many attacks on KFOR during 2023 or during the abduction of three of our police officers in the same year".

- This terrorist attack is of a new type, and now it concerned civilian facilities and the civilian population. So far, we have had attacks on the Kosovo Police, municipal buildings, and now the civilian population is targeted because water supply and electricity production are vital for households and the economy, said Kurti.

Plenković said that Croatia views this event with concern, but that it is good that the Kosovar authorities have involved international partners in the investigation process of "this terrorist act," such as representatives of KFOR and the European mission in Kosovo.

He emphasized that Kosovo, as an internationally recognized state, is a "reality" and that he does not see a scenario in which that reality would change.

- What is important for the stability of the entire Southeast Europe is that the relations between the states that emerged from the breakup of SFRY are regulated in a structured, effective manner with mutual respect, without conflict, and focusing on cooperation and the European integration process, said Plenković, adding that Croatia supports Kosovo's European path.

Kurti thanked Plenković for his support, emphasizing that Croatia is a reference point for development and state-building.