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Kurti and Macron talk about Kosovo's security

Kurti and Macron talk about Kosovo's security

The issue of Kosovo's security and relations with Serbia, related to the dialogue in Brussels and the implementation of the agreement for full normalization, were the topics of discussion that Prime Minister Albin Kurti spoke to the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, at the Elysee Palace in Paris on Friday.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, Kurti's meeting with Macron emphasized the continued positive role of NATO in Kosovo, namely KFOR, as well as the European Union missions. The meeting discussed integration and security in Europe.

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"Prime Minister Kurti stressed that Kosovo remains fully aligned with the EU's foreign and security policy. He highlighted the progress in comprehensive reforms, with progress in 35 out of 38 areas, as the latest EU Report for our country itself found, ranking Kosovo among the most successful countries in the region. Here, Prime Minister Kurti sought France's support for Kosovo's European integration and membership in international organizations," the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement. "Prime Minister Kurti spoke about Kosovo's security, which is first and foremost the security of its borders, then about the ongoing building of local defense capacities, relations with the northern neighbor Serbia in connection with the dialogue process in Brussels and the implementation of the agreement for full normalization, then about cooperation with North Atlantic allies and regional security in the Balkans."

Plans and investments in education and the organization of new Kosovo-France business forums were also discussed. The Mediterranean Games 2030 were also discussed.

"The meeting confirmed the mutual commitment to further deepening the European and bilateral partnership between Kosovo and France," the statement concludes.

On Thursday, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said that Kurti would meet with Macron, while claiming that Kurti would present two requests to the French president.

Vučić claimed on TV Prva that Kurti will ask Macron to have NATO forces in Kosovo removed from the border area and that France support this so that Kosovo "can bring the Kosovo Security Forces into the land security zone."

"I hope that no one in NATO will think of supporting this request, I am sure that my friend Macron will not think of supporting it. It would be a direct attack on peace, our people, all of Serbia, and I am sure that it will not happen," he said.

He further claimed that Kurti will ask Macron to have France condition Serbia's use of weapons, so that they are never used against Albanians.

As Vučić further claimed, the authorities in Belgrade have "people around Kurti" and they have accepted his agenda for the conversation with Macron.

"Kurti has four topics and two demands," he said.

The OPM was asked about these allegations, but did not comment on them, other than the official agenda.