Austria calls on Serbia, Kosovo to resolve their disputes through dialogue

By Eren Beksac and Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - The president of Austria’s National Council urged Serbia and Kosovo on Monday to resolve their disputes through dialogue with the goal of normalizing relations.

Wolfgang Sobotka's remarks came after he met with Kosovo Parliament Speaker Glauk Konjufca in Kosovo’s capital Pristina.

"The current situation in Kosovo and relations with Serbia are issues that need to be resolved through dialogue and the two countries always taking one step closer to each other. We will try to provide an opportunity to get closer,'' said Sobotka.

He added that Serbia should not prevent Kosovo's membership in international organizations.

Konjufca for his part said that Austria has always supported Kosovo and is a great friend of the country.

Sobotka during his official visit will also meet with Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti before arriving in Serbia's capital Belgrade.

Launched in 2011, the European Union-led Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue aims to find a mutually agreeable solution for disputes in the framework of a legally binding agreement.

The EU requires Kosovo and Serbia to reach a final agreement and resolve disputes to progress in their integration into the bloc.

Most UN member states, including the US, UK, France, Germany and Türkiye, recognized Kosovo as a separate country after it declared independence from Serbia 15 years ago. Serbia, however, continues to regard it as its territory.