Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission, will visit Serbia and Kosovo on 26 and 27 May 2011.

During her visit Catherine Ashton will reaffirm the commitment of the European Union to the European perspective of both Serbia and Kosovo as well as the support for the ongoing Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, facilitated by the EU.

"The European Union has a clear commitment to the European perspective of the whole Western Balkans. We want to see the region progress on this path. Regional cooperation is essential for the European perspective. The Belgrade-Pristina dialogue is fundamental for removing obstacles on the road towards the EU. We want to find practical solutions that can improve the lives of ordinary people. At the same time, we stand ready to help both Serbia and Kosovo to move forward," said Catherine Ashton ahead of her visit.

In Serbia on Thursday High Representative/Vice-President will hold meetings with President Boris Tadic and the Serb representative in the EU facilitated Belgrade-Pristina dialogue Borko Stefanovic. She will also sign one of the two pending EU - Serbia Agreements with Interior Minister Ivica Dacic.

In Kosovo on Friday Catherine Ashton will meet Prime Minister Hasim Thaci and the Kosovo representative in the dialogue Edita Tahiri, as well as First Deputy Prime Minister Pacolli, Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj and the Minister for European Affairs Vlora Citaku. She will also visit the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX).