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| Emmanuel Macron and Avdullah Hoti (archive) |
Macron recalled France's support for Kosovo after declaring independence while expressing solidarity with the people of Kosovo over the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Kosovo-Serbia dialogue has inevitably been the subject of Macron's letter. The head of the French state expressed his readiness to organize a Summit in Paris regarding the Pristina-Belgrade negotiations.
Macron said he believes Prime Minister Hoti is attending a Summit in Paris, telling him he hopes to meet him soon.
He also said that Serbia must do its job to create a suitable ground for the continuation of negotiations.
Full letter:
For more than a year, France and Germany have been committed to resuming dialogue, which could begin during a forthcoming summit in Paris. I believe in your participation in this summit and in your readiness to take the necessary measures to enable the resumption of the dialogue, while Serbia will also have to make its part of the effort.
On my behalf and on behalf of the French people, I send you my sincere congratulations and best wishes for the success of your new responsibilities as Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo.
France, the second country to recognize Kosovo as an independent state the day after it declared independence twelve years ago, has been on its side ever since.
I would like to express to you all my solidarity and that of the French people with the Kosovar population, also tested by the COVID-19 pandemic. By mobilizing more than 3 billion euros to help the countries of the Western Balkans cope with this unprecedented crisis, the European Union has demonstrated its full commitment to your region.
Your government takes over at a crucial moment for Kosovo. It is up to this Government to undertake substantial reforms: consolidating the rule of law, including the fight against organized crime and corruption, and economic and social development. France will support you in these reforms in the service of the citizens of Kosovo and the European approximation.
It is also up to you to face another essential challenge for Kosovo by resuming dialogue with Serbia and seeking a solution to your dispute through a comprehensive, final and legally binding agreement.
For more than a year, France and Germany have been committed to resuming dialogue, which could begin during a forthcoming summit in Paris. I believe in your participation in this summit and in your readiness to take the necessary measures to enable the resumption of the dialogue, while Serbia will also have to make its part of the effort.
Once the dialogue resumes, it is up to the European Union to support your efforts to reach an agreement. The role of the EU must remain central, because this dispute is a challenge to European security and because like Kosovo, Serbia aims to integrate into our Union. High Representative Josep Borrell and new Special Representative Miroslav Lajcak enjoy my full confidence to lead this mediation.
Hoping to meet you soon and renewing my best wishes for success in your new responsibilities, please accept, Mr. Prime Minister, the assurances of my highest consideration.
Respectfully yours, Emmanuel Macron.