Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis is visiting Kosovo today as part of an official tour of three Western Balkan countries, taking place from November 4 to 6.
According to the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, the visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations, support European integration and promote peace, stability and security across the region.
During his stay in Pristina, Cassis is expected to meet Kosovo President Justina Shiroka Pula, Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Foreign Minister Glauk Konjufca.
Discussions are expected to focus on the free trade agreement between Kosovo and Switzerland, concluded within the framework of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which has now entered into force.
Another key issue on the agenda is Switzerland’s support for the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia.
The Swiss foreign minister’s programme also includes a visit to NATO’s peacekeeping mission, KFOR. Switzerland has contributed to the mission since 1999 through its SWISSCOY contingent.
Cassis, who currently chairs the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), will also visit the organization’s missions in Kosovo to gain first-hand insight into their activities and challenges on the ground.
Swiss authorities have stressed that the visit reaffirms the close ties between Switzerland and the Western Balkan countries, strengthened over the years in part by the large diaspora from the region living in Switzerland.
The scheduled meetings are also expected to highlight the importance of dialogue, addressing the past, and ensuring the rights and protection of all communities across the region.
