Sakellaropoulou: Greece stands by its non-recognition of so-called Kosovo

BELGRADE - Greece's position of non-recognition of the unilaterally declared independence of the so-called Kosovo remains unchanged, says Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, noting that Greece supports agreements between Belgrade and Pristina leading to normalisation of relations.

Sakellaropoulou will come to Belgrade on Monday on an official visit.

In a statement to Belgrade daily Politika, Sakellaropoulou said Greece was consistent with its Western Balkans policy and pursuing a pragmatic and constructive approach to the so-called Kosovo that was aimed at strengthening stability and security.

The approach is aimed at the region's overall progress towards EU integration as a strategic objective, she said.

"Greece's position on Kosovo remains unchanged. Our constructive policy on Kosovo is in line with that policy, promoting development and strengthening stability and security in the Western Balkans," she said.

Sakellaropoulou welcomed the progress made in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue at Brussels and Ohrid meetings through an agreement and its implementation annex.

"Greece is ready to support both Belgrade and Pristina on the path to normalisation of their relations and to help international efforts to advance security, stability and prosperity of peoples in the region," Sakellaropoulou said.