The forum also provides a chance for discussion among the communities in Kosovo based on the activities of the civil society, leaders and opinion makers helping build trust, the Slovenian Foreign Ministry wrote.
Today's opening session was addressed by Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Kosovo Zahir Tanin, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Bintou Keita, and Matej Marn, the head of the Foreign Ministry directorate for common foreign and security policy.
Marn highlighted the potential of the region and of Kosovo in connection to fresh ideas and the wish to strengthen cooperation, while he warned that it will also be necessary to resolve open issues from the past, strengthen the rule of law and the economy.
These issues were also highlighted by the European Commission in its enlargement strategy unveiled in February as well as in the mid-April reports on the progress of individual countries in the region.
Meanwhile, Marn also stressed that Slovenia remains a strong supporter of the region, including Kosovo, on its path into the EU and NATO. Bilateral issues among countries need to be resolved on this path and international agreements honoured, the ministry wrote, also highlighting the importance of dialogue between Belgrade and Prishtina.
