U.S. Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg said that Serbia's progress in EU integration is encouraging and added that during his visit to Belgrade early in April, he will also discuss issues the two countries disagree on, primarily the status of Kosovo.

Announcing his visit to the Western Balkans, which he will begin in Ljubljana, Slovenia, on April 6, Steinberg said that the current U.S. administration has been committed to stability and prosperity in the Balkans since the start of its term.

After Ljubljana, Steinberg will visit Sarajevo, Belgrade, and Pristina. Steinberg said that his talks with Serbian officials will touch on the relations between Belgrade and Pristina.

We admit we have some disagreements but also common interests. We will discuss how to overcome those differences. The important thing is to prevent instability in the region, he pointed out.