Bulgaria was one of the first countries to recognise the independence of the Republic of Kosovo and for 15 years, we have enjoyed its consistent support. With these words, the President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, welcomed in Pristina the Bulgarian Vice President Iliana Iotova. Iotova is in Kosovo at Osmani's invitation and on the 15^th anniversary of the country's independence.

Kosovo's President thanked the Bulgarian institutions for their support, especially President Rumen Radev. Kosovo is a partner that Bulgaria can rely on, Osmani-Sadriu said.

Vice President Iotova reiterated Bulgaria's consistent support for the Republic of Kosovo's accession to international organisations and its European path. She also commented on the Franco-German proposal to solve the problems with the Republic of Serbia, describing it as the first important step to stabilise these relations.

Among the main topics of the talks was the recognition of Kosovo citizens with Bulgarian identity and consciousness as a Bulgarian community with guaranteed rights. Since President Osmani-Sadriu's visit to Bulgaria at the invitation of head of State Rumen Radev, the first real steps towards the recognition of the Bulgarian community have begun. I hope that this process will continue in close coordination between the two countries, Vice President Iotova said. She pointed out that Bulgaria would also work for the opening of a weekend school in areas with a compact population with Bulgarian identity and consciousness. Tomorrow the Vice President will visit the districts of Gora and Zupa, where she will hold talks with representatives of the Bulgarian community.

At the meeting, the sides also discussed the possibilities for deepening bilateral relations between Bulgaria and Kosovo.