This morning, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMIK, Zahir Tanin, spoke by telephone with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.  SRSG Tanin expressed the United Nations support for the efforts of Serbia in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, and solidarity with all who are affected.  President Vučić and SRSG Tanin discussed means to strengthen cooperation across the region, including Kosovo, to maximise efforts against this existential threat, in line with the Secretary-General’s global appeal. President Vučić expressed concern over the COVID-19 situation in Kosovo and affirmed his readiness for full cooperation with the Pristina authorities in responding to the outbreak and helping the people of Kosovo. The two interlocutors additionally discussed political and security issues in Kosovo in advance of the session of the Security Council at the end of this month.

Additionally, following the Secretary-General’s global appeal, SRSG Tanin spoke last week on Thursday with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, appreciating the latter’s response to the health crisis, and expressing the full support of the United Nations and solidarity with the government and people of Albania. SRSG Tanin emphasised the importance of unifying regional efforts to combat the COVID-19 virus, including providing assistance to Kosovo.