The Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, has recently spoken about Albania's position regarding the lack of visa liberalization with Kosovo, the position regarding the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue as well as his personal relationship with the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić. 

In an interview for the German newspaper "Frankfurter Rundschau", Rama stated that the lack of visa liberalization for the citizens of Kosovo is a shame for the European Union.

"This is a shame for the EU!

Kosovars are the only ones on our continent who are not allowed to travel", said Rama.

He also spoke about his relationship with Vucic.

Rama has revealed that he has a good personal relationship with the President of Serbia, even if he sometimes disagrees with him.

"We have a good personal relationship, even if we disagree from time to time.

For example, he says "the so-called Kosovo".

And I say "the independent state of Kosovo", said Rama.

To the German journalist's question whether Serbia's non-recognition of Kosovo affects Albania's integration process, Rama answered that Albania and Kosovo are one nation, one blood and speak the same language, but they are different states and the disputes between Kosovo and Serbia do not affect the integration of Albania.

He also spoke about the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue.

"Reconciliation between Kosovars and Serbs will take time.

But who would have thought that the Germans and the French would be close partners again so few years after the Second World War.

Political vision and leadership are needed to move this process forward.

But he will come, I'm sure.

There is no turning back", said the Prime Minister of Albania.

Excerpt from the interview:

Do you get along with him [Aleksandar Vucic)?

We have a good personal relationship, even if we disagree from time to time.

For example, he says "the so-called Kosovo".

And I say "the independent state of Kosovo".

We now settle our disputes in a civilized manner.

Millions of Albanians live in several countries, including Kosovo.

Does the fact that Serbia still does not recognize Kosovo affect the integration of Albania in the EU?

No, we are one nation, one blood – and we speak the same language.

But we live in two countries.

Reconciliation between Kosovars and Serbs will take time.

But who would have thought that the Germans and the French would be close partners again so few years after the Second World War.

Political vision and leadership are needed to move this process forward.

But he will come, I'm sure.

There is no turning back.

Kosovars still need a visa to enter the EU.

What does this have to do with better integration of the Western Balkans?

This is a shame for the EU!

Kosovars are the only ones on our continent who are not allowed to travel.

They previously lived in Yugoslavia and Serbia and were free to travel.

And now?

Are they independent and free from dictatorship, but the liberators keep them in a kind of prison.