‘We cannot take the stability of the Western Balkans for granted’

Discussions between the two prime ministers focused on Norway's support for Kosovo and the EU-facilitated dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. They also discussed how to strengthen cooperation on economic and social development.

‘We cannot take stability in the Western Balkans for granted. Unresolved issues dating from the 1990s could set the region on fire again,’ said Prime Minister Støre.

Norway recognised Kosovo on 28 March 2008, just one month after the declaration of independence from Serbia. There are still a number of countries that do not recognise Kosovo as an independent state.

‘This can only be resolved through the EU-led dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. Existing agreements must be implemented and both parties must refrain from actions that diminish trust between them. I therefore took the opportunity during our meeting to express my disappointment that Kosovo was not allowing the 3 April Serbian elections to be organised in the same manner as previous elections,’ said Mr Støre.

Prime Minister Kurti also met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt during his visit to Oslo. They discussed bilateral relations between Norway and Kosovo, the security policy situation in Europe and the EU-led dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia.