Prishtina, 10 October 2008
Statement by the Prime Minister of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi, following the recognition of the state of Kosovo by Montenegro and Macedonia.
On behalf of the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo I welcome the decisions and thank the governments of both countries, of Montenegro and Macedonia, for the recognition of Kosovo as an independent, sovereign and democratic state.
The decisions by Podgorica and Skopje are responsible decisions in line with the will of the people of Kosovo for an independent, sovereign and democratic state, and as a multiethnic society.
The decisions by Macedonia and Montenegro to recognize the state of Kosovo strengthen peace, stability and the cooperation in the region, but also accelerate the integration of our countries in the European Union and NATO.
Kosovo will build excellent relations of cooperation with all the countries in the region.
We now expect concrete activities in terms of bilateral and multilateral inter-state cooperation.
The state of Kosovo is ready to cooperate also with Serbia for the joint benefit of our two countries and the people.
New recognitions of Kosovo will follow.