The Head of the Liaison Office of the Slovak Republic in Pristina, Rastislav Kostilnik has stated that reaching a final agreement between Kosovo and Serbia is urgent, as the status quo is not sustainable and does not serve either Serbia or Kosovo. In an interview for KosovaPress, Kostilnik said that for his country, any agreement that Kosovo and Serbia agree on, excluding territorial exchange, but that includes mutual recognition, is acceptable. He said that he sees room for cooperation between Kosovo and Slovakia in many areas and that Slovakia's position on the status of Kosovo is not an obstacle to cultural and economic cooperation. While talking about economic cooperation, he says that they regularly encourage businessmen from Kosovo to contact their Slovak counterparts. " Unfortunately, diplomacy can play only a limited role when it comes to business. It takes two companies to tango and unfortunately, I do not see much of interest here to establish more links with Slovak business representatives", he said, adding that Slovaks are interested in Kosovo more than in the past, as there are clear signs of exploration of the beautiful nature of Kosovo by the Slovaks. The full interview: KosovaPress: How would you define the current relations between Kosovo and Slovakia? Are they excellent, good, or is there a need to work harder to improve these relations? How are your relations with the state leaders of Kosovo? Kostilnik: I would say we have good relations within its limit. With regard to relations with political leaders, I’m happy to state I have very good relations and it is not only me. My minister, Mr. Ivan Korčok, also meets with Kosovo representatives. Not long ago, in April, he participated with Foreign Minister, Mrs. Donika Gervalla, at the same panel within Delphi Economic Forum and this month he held the bilateral meeting with Prime Minister, Mr. Albin Kurti, in Bratislava. KosovaPress: Slovakia is a country that has not recognized the independence of Kosovo, but recognizes its documents. When can we expect your country to recognize Kosovo's independence? Kostilnik: In general, we are still not there and I have to correct you here, we do not recognize Kosovo’s documents. They still need to be approved by the interim administration - UNMIK. Nevertheless, on the humanitarian ground, since 2012, we do recognize Kosovo passports as a travel documents, excluding diplomatic or service passports for the obvious reason. Let me emphasize here that recognition of a travel document under the International Law does not mean recognition of the entity that issued it. KosovaPress: Is recognition by Slovakia a hostage to dialogue? So, should there be a final agreement between Serbia and Kosovo before you consider recognizing Kosovo's independence? Kostilnik: Our position is pretty consistent and straightforward. There is no room for any kind of confusion and “a hostage” is not appropriate word here. Slovak executive is bind by the declaration of National Assembly of Slovak Republic (2007), which stipulates that common solution (of two parties) needs to be found. The Belgrade – Pristina Dialog is the vehicle for such a solution and therefore we do support very much efforts of Mr. Lajčák. KosovaPress: A citizen of yours is in charge of the dialogue, Mr. Lajçak. He speaks mainly on behalf of the EU. But how does Slovakia assess the dialogue process between Kosovo and Serbia? Kostilnik: The Belgrade – Pristina Dialog is the process of finding the solution based on the agreement that would, legalistically speaking, create Kosovo statehood by the consent of two parties, just like Slovakia emerged in 1993. KosovaPress: Should there have been more progress after so many years of negotiations? Do you think there should be a final agreement with mutual recognition? Kostilnik: In essence, the speed and progress of EU facilitated negotiations depends solely on the constructiveness of two parties behind the table. The Russian war of aggression in Ukraine is making progress even more prevalent – Europe needs more peace and many eyes are on you and Serbia to deliver. Reaching this agreement is urgent, as the status quo is simply not sustainable. It does not serve Serbia nor Kosovo. For us, anything two parties agree on, excluding territorial exchange, but including mutual recognition, is acceptable. KosovaPress: Do you think that our region is endangered by destabilization after the situation in Ukraine? Do you see any possibility that there may be, God forbid, a resurgence of a conflict? Kostilnik: We do monitor security situation very closely and we agree with the KFOR assessment according which the situation is stable. KosovaPress: Serbia is the only country that has not imposed sanctions on Russia after its aggression in Ukraine. How did you see this action of Serbia? Should an EU candidate country behave in line with the EU? Kostilnik: Your clear stance on the Russian aggression has generated a lot of appreciation among the Member States. We believe our partners in Belgrade understand the sense of urgency in moving forward on their European path. KosovaPress: We have seen that you visit the Municipalities in Kosovo and meet the mayors of these Municipalities. What is the purpose of these visits? Kostilnik: For any Diplomat it is important to outreach and have a touch with people and their representatives. I am interested in their opinions on “bread and butter” issues and I always avail myself of the opportunity to explain mechanisms of SlovakAid to encourage them to submit grant proposals. For years now, we support socio-economic development of Kosovo by providing the SlovakAid – the aid of Slovak people. KosovaPress: During the pandemic, especially during those difficult months, we saw that Slovakia helped Kosovo. Can you tell us, how much your country has helped our country, in coping with the virus and in what forms? Kostilnik: We all have been suddenly caught in the cage of COVID-19. Despite the situation inside, Slovakia tried to do its utmost to give a helping hand also to those who live outside our borders. In direct and indirect help we provide Kosovo with the assistance up to 60 000,- EUR. We’ve supported many projects designed to foster awareness about the COVID-19 as well as to ease its consequences on marginalized groups. Slovakia also donated 30 000,- EUR to the Ministry of Health to strengthen its capacities to fight the pandemic. KosovaPress: Exhibitions have been opened and concerts have been held thanks to your mediation. Can cultural cooperation between Kosovo and Slovakia increase? In order for our artists to be introduced to you and vice versa? Kostilnik: I see the scope for mutual co-operation on many fields. The position of Slovakia on Kosovo status is not an obstacle for cultural, economic co-operation; co-operation of Universities, municipalities, etc.. I say we have to walk before we run. Those fields may serve as a tool for knowing each other. I’m happy to play an mediating role but I wish to see a genuine interest in such a co-operation. KosovaPress: Economics is another very important field. What activities is your Office currently undertaking to help economic development in Kosovo? Are there activities to mediate meetings between businesses in Kosovo and Slovakia? Kostilnik: Slovak Liaison Office has established a very good links with many businesses and economic associations. We regularly encourage entrepreneurs from Kosovo to get in touch with Slovak counterparts. Unfortunately, diplomacy can plays only a limited role when it comes to business. It takes two companies to tango and unfortunately, I do not see much of interest here to establish more links with Slovak business representatives. KosovaPress: Tourism has also been presented through exhibitions. Are there any figures for the number of Kosovars visiting Slovakia? Kostilnik: Since it is difficult to distinguish between tourist and transited person, often the combination, such a numbers do not exist. We estimate however, there are couple of hundreds Kosovars visiting Slovakia annually. KosovaPress: Do Slovaks recognize Kosovo as a country? Do they come here for visits, if there are any figures, how many Slovaks come to Kosovo each year? Kostilnik: Again, we are not aware of any statistics and it is difficult to make the estimate. Nevertheless, I may confirm a positive trend. Slovaks are interested in Kosovo more than in the past; there are clear signs of exploration of beautiful Kosovo nature by Slovaks. KosovaPress: In the end. What is the number of work visa applications made at your Office? And how many visas are issued per year for Kosovars who want to work in Slovakia? Has there been growing demand in the last year? Are there any statistics for the first 5 months of this year? Kostilnik: Before we talk about numbers, it should be emphasized that the Slovak Liaison Office is a small office with the limited capacity compared to other Schengen Members. In much lesser extent than other countries but we do register interest of Kosovars to work in Slovakia. As a result of the pandemic over the past two years, there has been a significant drop in number of applications we receive for both Schengen and work visa applications. The current figures still do not reflect the situation before COVID-19.