Maltese President receives Thaçi: Malta supports integration of Kosovo in the EU
President Coleiro Preca said that Kosovo is a country that shows a strong commitment to integration in the European family and that Malta, which is among the first countries to have recognized the independence of Kosovo, will continue her support. The signing of the Stabilization and Association Agreement, according to President Coleiro Preca, is an important confirmation to Kosovo\'s European agenda.
Deputy Prime Minister Thaçi informed the Maltese President about Kosovo\'s foreign policy focus on new, quality recognitions and membership in international organizations.
\"Now we are focused on new, quality recognitions, especially those that affect the lives of Kosovo citizens, because we moved to another phase. We greatly appreciate the support of the leadership of Malta to strengthen our statehood. The SAA constitutes a major qualitative change in the relations between Kosovo and the EU. We will also very soon apply for membership in the Council of Europe, which provides different instruments for Kosovo citizens to defend their rights. We will also apply to UNESCO, which will enable us to take care of our own cultural, historical and religious heritage. Therefore, we have entered a new phase, which is also a sign of Kosovo’s maturity, which now seeks to become part of organizations where it can benefit as a state and not anymore rush to prove its statehood with numbers,\" Deputy Prime Minister Thaçi said.
The President of Malta, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, and Deputy Prime Minister Thaçi also discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in the economic and cultural spheres, and sought, with special emphasis, Malta\'s support for the signing of the SAA, as well as the obtainment of the recommendations for visa liberalization for Kosovo citizens.
“Kosovo and Malta are both small but with great heart and soul, in solidarity with one another. We share the same aspirations and values, and should cooperate even more,” Deputy Prime Minister Thaçi said adding that Kosovo has started to accept foreign direct investment “and is exploring ways to bring Maltese investors in Kosovo.”
