Lithuania during its EU Council Presidency, to support Kosovo in order to advance the European agenda

At the meeting was discussed regarding the starting of negotiations for a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) and the ongoing work of the Kosovo institutions in the context of preparations for the start of negotiations for SAA. Minister Çitaku underlined the importance of SAA for Kosovo, as an anchoring tool of a European path of Kosovo and a consistent state-wide reform.

Regarding visa liberalization, Minister Çitaku informed Minister Linkevičius for the course of implementation of recommendations arising from the roadmap for visa liberalization, fulfilling legislative package and the accompanying issues of visa liberalization, regional cooperation and improvement of neighbourly relations as a criterion for advancement into European integration. Minister Çitaku emphasized the importance and the direct impact that the visa liberalization process have into the life of the citizens of Kosovo.

From his side, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lithuanian Government, Mr. Linas Linkevicius said: “We as a country that is leading the Presidency of the Council of the European Union will remain committed to support in advancing Kosovo’s European agenda. And that in this direction Lithuania welcomes the start of negotiations for SAA between Kosovo and the European Union.”

At the end Minister Çitaku thanked the Minister Linkevičius for the visit and added: “We as a government, institutions, and society are committed to implementing reforms that will contribute to advance the Kosovo`s European agenda that will same time contribute to the state building of our country”.