Hashim Thaçi, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, has been invited on an official visit to Paris on Monday June 8th by the President of France, Nicolas Sarkozy. The invitation from President Sarkozy comes as part of his meetings with the prime ministers of the South East European region.

During the visit, Prime Minister Thaçi will have a working lunch with the Foreign Minister of France, Bernard Kushner.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi, will be accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kosovo, Skënder Hyseni, and other senior government officials during this official visit.

Whilst visiting France, Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi will give a speech at the Centre for International Studies and Research (CERI), as well as a press conference in the Foreign Media Centre. At these two events, Prime Minister Thaçi will make a presentation to Balkan experts and journalists from world media regarding Kosovo’s achievements after the declaration of independence, the results of good and effective governance by Kosovar institutions, affirmative respect for community rights and the successes and challenges in the process of Kosovo’s integration into Euro Atlantic institutions.

This is the first official visit by Prime Minister Thaçi to Paris, following Kosovo’s declaration of independence.

The key theme of all of Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi’s meetings with senior officials in Paris will be deepening bilateral relations between Kosovo and France and confirming the continuing support of France for the comprehensive development of the new state of Kosovo.