site.btaBulgarian, Kosovo Foreign Ministers Meet within Berlin Process Meeting

Bulgarian Foreign Minister Nikolay Milkov Friday met with Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz within the framework of the Berlin Process ministerial, the Foreign Ministry said.

The two concurred that Bulgaria's recognition of Kosovo as an independent state in March 2008 created prerequisites for developing intensive and fruitful relations.

Milkov reaffirmed Bulgaria's continued support for the ongoing reforms in Kosovo, as well as for its efforts towards integration in the international cooperation mechanisms and structures. Emphasis was laid on the need to achieve EU visa liberalization for Kosovo, which brooks no further delay.

The two chief diplomats discussed the upcoming agenda of bilateral relations and specific aspects concerning their countries' interests. They reviewed the current situation in the Western Balkans and the security challenges. They expressed a strong support for giving a fresh impetus to the Berlin Process as a major inclusive initiative concerning the Western Balkans, which contributes to economic integration and sustainable development.