EU and US urge Kosovo and Serbia to take a significant step towards normalization of ties

US Secretary of State, Antony Binken and the head of EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell said on Friday that time has come for Kosovo and Serbia to take significant steps in the interest of European integration.

These comments were made during a telephone conversation in which, according to the US Department of State spokesperson, Ned Price, both officials discussed their strong support for the normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo ahead of the meeting that the leaders of the two countries will hold in Ohrid, North Macedonia on Saturday.

"We discussed the EU-led Serbia-Kosovo Dialogue and EU accession for Western Balkan countries and our unified and unwavering support for Ukraine," the US chief diplomat said in a tweet.

The EU head of foreign affairs briefed Secretary Blinken on the latest developments related to the process of normalisation of relations between Kosovo and Serbia, outlined his expectations for the Ohrid meeting and underlined the importance of the progress in the Dialogue for the European aspirations of both Parties.

He appreciated the continued clear support of the US for the EU’s efforts, especially for the Agreement on the path to normalisation of relations and for the process in the run-up to the High-Level meeting the High Representative is convening with President Vučić and Prime Minister Kurti this Saturday.

Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti and Serbian president, Aleksandar Vucic, who, last month accepted a plan backed by the US, will discuss on Saturday the implementation of the plan to turn it into an agreement for the normalization of relations between the two countries.