UNMIK/PR/1319
PRISTINA – SRSG Søren Jessen-Petersen this morning met Prime Minister Vlado Buchkovski of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia who is paying a one-day visit to Kosovo. The SRSG briefed the Prime Minister and his delegation which included the Deputy Prime Minister and the Foreign Affairs, Economy and Health Ministers, on the latest developments in Kosovo. They also discussed a number of bi-lateral issues, including the on-going talks leading to the comprehensive Standards review, the opening of the Macedonian Trade Office in Pristina, border demarcation and return of refugees.
The SRSG said he was delighted to welcome Prime Minister Buchkovski and his delegation to Kosovo, adding that their visit is a clear indication of the pragmatic and wise policy of the Prime Minister vis-à-vis Kosovo.”The Prime Minister [Vlado Buchkovski] has said on many occasions that Macedonia’s only and main interest is a stable, democratic Kosovo and as you know that is what we are all working for”, said the SRSG, adding that their discussions, as always, had been very good.
The SRSG welcomed the opening of the Economic and Trade Office, saying that with this latest Office, all states in the region, with the exception of Serbia and Montenegro, now have Offices in Pristina. “We think this is very important as it would allow Macedonia to seize economic opportunies that are opening up in Kosovo now, especially with the resolution of the problems linked to privatisation”, said the SRSG.
Prime Minister Buchkovski for his part also stressed the close co-operation with UNMIK on a number of issues, and he thanked the SRSG for his role and personal interest.
The SRSG and the Prime Minister then left to attend the opening of the Economic and Trade Office.