Kosovo’s Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Glauk Konjufca, participated in the ministerial meeting of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) in Sofia, Bulgaria, marking the 30th anniversary of the regional diplomatic format.
Addressing the summit, Konjufca emphasized that despite the significant progress achieved by the region over the last three decades, current geopolitical developments demand a heightened commitment to peace, stability, and European integration.
Strategic Clarity and Democratic Progress
In a statement regarding his address, Konjufca highlighted that the contemporary geopolitical landscape requires strategic clarity and political responsibility from all regional actors.
“European integration must remain a credible, fair, and merit-based process, where Kosovo’s advancements in democracy, the rule of law, the fight against corruption, media freedom, and economic development are recognized and translated into concrete steps on our European path,” Konjufca stated.
Regional Connectivity and Infrastructure Priorities
The Foreign Minister also underscored the critical role of regional cooperation, arguing that bilateral and multilateral agreements must yield tangible benefits for everyday citizens. He specifically pointed to the Pristina–Durrës railway line as a premier strategic priority for Kosovo.
- Infrastructure: Advancing the Pristina–Durrës railway and securing its integration into the European Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) to boost connectivity between Kosovo, the wider region, and the European Union.
- Mobility: Full implementation of agreements regarding the mutual recognition of diplomas and freedom of movement.
- Social Alignment: Progressing further agreements on social security rights and work permits to make European integration a practical reality for citizens.
Strengthening Ties with Bulgaria
On the sidelines of the SEECP summit, Konjufca held a bilateral meeting with Bulgaria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Velislava Petrova, to discuss Kosovo’s EU integration path and the expansion of bilateral relations.
Konjufca praised Sofia as a vital partner, noting:
“Bulgaria remains an important partner of the Republic of Kosovo and a valuable supporter of our European path. We discussed the next phases of our EU integration process, the necessity of a merit-based approach, Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic perspective, and deepening our bilateral ties.”
Concluding his remarks, the Foreign Minister reiterated Kosovo’s firm resolve to ensure its democratic progress and contribution to regional stability are met with corresponding milestones from Brussels.
