Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias’ statements following his meeting with Kosovar Foreign Minister, Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz (Pristina, 20.12.2022)

Dear Donika,

It is such a great pleasure for me to be in Pristina today, just a few months, if I remember well, after my last visit here. I come here quite often. My presence here today, following the visit by the Foreign Minister of North Macedonia, Bujar Osmani, in Athens, my visit to Belgrade yesterday and my visit to Tirana tomorrow, highlights the importance that Greece attaches to the region and to the close cooperation with the Western Balkans.

Today we discussed on the bilateral level how we can advance our cooperation in a wide range of fields. And I have to say we are ready to work with you in order to boost this cooperation even further. And I openly said in our meeting how happy I am with the trade figures improving.

But also, I would like to see our cooperation in a wider context, the context of our profound interest in peace, stability, prosperity in the Western Balkans.  

And, if I may say so, in the final analysis, the EU is the final destination for everybody interested in the Western Balkans, of course in accordance with conditionality, of course in accordance with the EU acquis. But that has to be the final destination.

We also talked about energy cooperation. This is extremely crucial, especially after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Greece is emerging as a hub of energy in the Balkans. But is is important for you to acquire your energy independence and also move away  from coal towards the new era of protection of the environment.

Moreover, we had the opportunity to discuss about the recent, worrying developments in the region. We fully support, as you know and as we discussed, the continuation of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, with a view to reaching a comprehensive and legally binding Agreement. In accordance with international law, as always, and the EU acquis. Following the EU – facilitated Agreement last November, it is of paramount importance that both sides engage in good faith. And they should refrain from actions and rhetoric that risk to flare up tensions and endanger what you have achieved until now . It is crucial for both sides to implement what has been agreed. And allow me to say, this was my clear message to Belgrade, yesterday.

Given the current geopolitical challenges following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it is crucial to achieve concrete results that will promote the EU aspirations of Belgrade and Pristina. We should not allow third parties to take advantage of instability and insecurity in the Western Balkans.

To this end, we support the work of EULEX which plays a crucial stabilising role. And, of course, we also support the work of both the EU’s Special Representative, Mr Lajcak, and the US Western Balkan Envoy, Mr Escobar.

Today I  am accompanied by our own Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, Ambassador Grammata and I had the pleasure of introducing her to you. I hope her presence will be of assistance.

Dear Donika, again, I will not be tired of repeating this, it is our conviction that the Western Balkans path toward the European Union is a one – way road. In this framework, I believe that progress in the Dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade will be instrumental in promoting the EU aspirations. A future in which revisionist policies and neo – imperialist ideologies, maybe envisioned by some countries, is a no – go for us. This is a 19th century, not a 21st century, agenda.

I have to say that it was a great pleasure seeing you again, here in Pristina. Thank you, once more, for your warm hospitality. You went out of the protocol, you came to the airport to greet me, thank you so much, it was very much appreciated.

I look forward to seeing you again soon. Thank you so much.