Statement By Secretary Clinton - Agreements Reached Between Kosovo and Serbia

February 24, 2012

Today, Kosovo and Serbia have taken another important step toward their common European future by coming to agreements in the EU-facilitated Dialogue on Kosovo’s representation at regional fora and a technical protocol on Integrated Border Management.  I want to thank the European Union for facilitating these discussions and helping these two countries realize a brighter future. 

This is an important step for Kosovo.  These agreements are consistent with Kosovo’s independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty, and move Kosovo closer toward full European integration, which the United States continues to support.  Kosovo will now sit at the table in regional fora as an equal partner, representing and speaking for itself. 

We also hope these agreements will open the door to Serbia’s EU candidacy.  Serbia’s progress toward European integration is good for Serbia, good for Kosovo, and good for the future of the entire region.  We look forward to the continuation of the EU-facilitated Dialogue on other issues that impact the daily lives of the citizens of both countries.

The United States shares a strong and enduring friendship with Kosovo and Serbia.  We have supported this process from the beginning, and we recognize the commitment and the difficult decisions that have been necessary in order to make progress.  I want to commend both governments for their flexibility and hard work in this Dialogue.  I encourage the people of both Kosovo and Serbia to implement these agreements in good faith and to support the progress that has been made.  Only through dialogue and enhanced trust can both countries be assured of a peaceful, prosperous future as part of a Europe whole, free, and at peace.