Ashton calls for closer EU-Kosovo ties

EU High Representative Catherine Ashton, Thursday met here Hashim Thaci, Prime Minister of Kosovo and discussed EU-Kosovo ties. Speaking at a joint news conference, Ashton praised the recent agreements reached between Kosovo and Serbia on regional cooperation and on management of the crossing points with Serbia. "I wish to see Kosovo moving even closer to the European Union. There is a rich year ahead in EU-Kosovo relations," she said referring to the visa dialogue and trade agreement between the two sides. On his part, Thaci said they both agree that the future of Kosovo and all other countries of Western Balkans is in the European Union and in NATO. "The agreement reached between Kosovo and Serbia on regional cooperation and the IBM (Integrated Border Management) mark a new milestone, not only for Kosovo and Serbia, but also for the EU," he added.