Balkans | Greek President Sakellaropoulou: “Our (non-recognition) position on Kosovo is clear and unchanged”

Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou stated that her country’s position on non-recognition of Kosovo is clear and unchanged.

Sakellaropoulou was received by his Serbian counterpart, Alexander Vucic, in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, with an official ceremony, where he came to conduct official contacts, while the two presidents held a joint press conference after the meeting between the two delegations.

President Sakellaropoulou stated that they support the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue process and said, “We also assessed the recent steps that have been taken to normalize relations between Serbia and Kosovo. We support them as well.” He said.

Regarding this position of Greece, which is among the countries that do not recognize the independence of Kosovo, Sakellaropoulou said: “Our position on Kosovo is clear and does not change. There is always pressure on this issue, but these do not affect Greece. There is consistency in our own policy. On the other hand It is important that the dialogue continues.” Use phrases.

Noting that Greece wants to help both Serbia and Kosovo, Sakellaropoulou said, “Greece has the idea that Serbia is part of the European family.” He said.

Katerina Sakellaropoulou expressed support for the Western Balkans being part of Europe, saying, “The enlargement of the European Union will also ensure peace and security in the region. Thus, it will also prevent third parties who wish to use it for their own interests.” He rated it.

Expressing their brotherly relations with Greece, Vucic said they support the territorial integrity of the two countries.

Noting the vital importance of accelerating Serbia’s EU membership process, Vucic said, “I think we will advance further on the EU membership track, which is very important for investments.” He said.

Vucic stated that more than 50 percent of Serbian tourists visit Greece and noted that efforts should be made to ensure that Greek tourists also prefer Serbia.

Belgrade-Pristina dialogue process

Serbia considers Kosovo, which unilaterally declared its independence in 2008, to be its territory.

Serbia and Kosovo, which clash periodically, are trying to find a common way to normalize relations, and eventually the two countries get to know each other, within the scope of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue process initiated in 2011 with the mediation of the European Union.

The EU High Representative for External Relations and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, announced that a verbal agreement had been reached between Kosovo and Serbia as part of the high-level meeting of the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue held in Ohrid, North Macedonia on March 18.

AA