Kosovo and Serbia reach historic understanding

- The agreement between Kosovo and Serbia in Brussels today is historic, says Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

Prime Ministers Ivica Dačić og Hashim Thaҫi successfully concluded their negotiations on measures to normalize relations between Kosovo og Serbia and regulate the situation in northern Kosovo. The solution will allow for both Serbia and Kosovo to advance their EU integration, and it will create the basis for strengthened political stability and economic development in the region as a whole. The EU has played a key role as facilitator for the dialogue.

- I wish to congratulate the two governments on showing courage and a spirit of compromise in the dialogue. The outcome of the dialogue is a great achievement for Serbia and Kosovo, as it is for the EU and Catherine Ashton who has led the talks, Eide says.

Norway will continue its strong engagement together with Kosovo and Serbia for their closer Euro-Atlantic integration.

- I plan to visit Serbia and Kosovo in the near future, Eide says.