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| Albin Kurti |
The majority of residents of the six states that make up the Western Balkans are already able to travel throughout the region with only their identification cards. However, as of right now, Bosnia and Herzegovina is the only country that isn't, as the government of Kosovo gave its approval to a regional agreement that was reached in Berlin in November 2003.
The agreement also makes it possible for Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo citizens, the only two countries in the region that still require visas for each other, to travel throughout the region without a visa.
Albin Kurti, the prime minister of Kosovo, said that the agreement was a part of the Berlin Process and is part of a larger deal on the recognition of professional qualifications held by doctors, dentists, and architects as well as higher education credentials.
Kurti stated that the government would move forward with the decision until parliament gave its approval.
Kurti stated, "Our dedication and commitment to regional cooperation, good neighborly relations, and advancement toward integration in the European Union is an indicator of our rapid ratification."
Kurti claims that "after the ratification by the two respective countries, the citizens of Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina will move freely only with identity cards" with the entry into force of this agreement for the region.
The authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina have not yet given their approval to the agreement. Bosnian-born Kosovo residents have been unable to travel due to visa restrictions. Kosovo's independence is not recognized by Bosnia and Herzegovina, and citizens of both countries must obtain a visa before traveling there.