North Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani, whose country holds the next presidency of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), said that it is important to reduce tensions in the north of Kosovo and give space to the political dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia facilitated by the European Union.

Osmani made these comments prior to the tensions registered in the northern municipalities in Kosovo, as he is on an official visit to Pristina. According to Osmani, the OSCE mission strongly supports the process of normalization between Kosovo and Serbia, which would contribute to the regional stability.

Minister Osmani said that the OSCE is ready to support the implementation of the agreements reached between both sides, with his counterpart, Donika Gërvalla guaranteeing that Kosovo is prepared to collaborate with all countries in the region.

“The Western Balkans do not need to be a region of conflict, but a region of neighbors collaborating based on serious and mutual respect, in order to have extraordinary results,” said Gërvalla in a joint press conference with Osmani.

The Minister also met with Prime Minister Albin Kurti to discuss cooperation with institutions in strengthening public safety, consolidating democratic institutions and protecting the rights of all communities.

Osmani was also received by Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani, with whom he talked about the great potential of the EU-facilitated dialogue to resolve longstanding issues.