Kurti: Orav brought the EU closer to Kosovo and Kosovo closer to the EU

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani and Prime Minister Albin Kurti received the European Union Ambassador to Kosovo, Aivo Orav, in a farewell meeting on Monday. 

Kurti said that Orav brought "the European Union closer to Kosovo and Kosovo closer to the European Union." 

"From the Progress Reports to IPA funds and the lifting of unjust punitive measures in the Growth Plan, he became the voice of Kosovo in Brussels and the voice of Brussels in Kosovo. As a representative of a country with similar experiences, Ambassador Orav knows Kosovo well, as it is: aligned with EU values, aligned with its foreign policy and invested in the common future. That is why we understood each other quickly and easily and meetings with him were always fruitful. He treated Kosovo not simply as a partner for reforms within the country, but as a partner for a stronger Europe in the Western Balkans. Perhaps it is our similarities that remind us that the unity of our continent is essential for security, democracy and prosperity. Ambassador Orav is leaving as a diplomat, but he will always remain a true friend of Kosovo whom we always welcome. Thank you, Ambassador Orav," Kurti wrote on Facebook. 
 

And the EU Office in Kosovo has also written about the meetings. 

"Saying farewell to Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti today, EU Ambassador Aivo Orav reflected on the past and future EU-Kosovo relations and on the considerable support that the 🇪🇺 EU has provided to Kosovo so far. Orav expressed the hope that soon all institutions will be functional and fully focused on European integration," the EU Office wrote about Orav's meeting with Kurti. 

"In a farewell meeting today, Aivo Orav thanked Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani for her cooperation during his mandate as 🇪🇺 EU Ambassador to Kosovo, emphasizing that the EU remains Kosovo's strongest and most reliable partner as the country advances towards the EU," he wrote about the meeting with Osmani.