Pompeo Tells Thaci He Expects Kosovo to Lift Tariffs

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Kosovo President Hashim Thaci at the State Department (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has told Kosovo President Hashim Thaci that he expects Kosovo to lift the tariffs on Serbian goods, “as an essential step to reviving negotiations on a comprehensive normalization of relations [with Serbia].”

While talking with Kosovo president, Pompeo "reaffirmed the strong partnership between the United States and Kosovo, rooted in continued commitment to shared values and our support for a sovereign, independent Kosovo," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus announced following the meeting that was held on Feb. 26.

The secretary of state, Ortagus added, called on Kosovo to use the “momentum” of the recently signed letters of intent to establish air, rail and highway traffic between Pristina and Belgrade. He also told Thaci he expects Kosovo to abolish the tariffs on Serbian goods so that citizens of both countries may enjoy the full financial and commercial benefits of the exchange. This, Pompeo explained, is the crucial step toward reviving negotiations on the comprehensive normalization of relations.

According to the statement issued by Thaci’s office, during the meeting Kosovo president said that the “final peace agreement” between Kosovo and Serbia will bring peace to the entire Southeastern Europe, and would mean turning towards the future, growth and prosperity. Kosovo, he added, will continue to coordinate each of its steps with the U.S.

While in Washington, Thaci also met with Deputy Secretary of Defense David Norquist to whom, according to the announcement, he conveyed his pleasure with the support the U.S. has given in the formation of the Kosovo Security Force, and asked for the continuation of collaboration.