German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has asked Kosovo and Serbia for a clear commitment to reaching a political solution to their long-standing dispute over Kosovo’s independence, AP reported.

European Union-facilitated normalization talks began 11 years ago but have yielded few results, and tensions between the former adversaries persist.

Scholz, who came to Kosovo as part of a tour of the Western Balkans, said the war in Ukraine has made stability in the region even more important. “In times like this, the value of peace and security is made clear anew to us, and a further very weighty reason for Kosovo and Serbia to find a political solution with a comprehensive, sustainable solution that also contributes to regional stability,” Scholz told a news conference in Pristina.

The chancellor asked the governments of Serbia and Kosovo to show a clear commitment to EU-facilitated dialogue. “It is clear that an agreement must ultimately also clear up the question of the recognition of Kosovo, because it is not conceivable that two countries that don’t recognize each other become members of the EU,” Scholz said.

The six Western Balkan countries are at different stages in their quest for EU membership. Serbia and Montenegro have begun full-fledged negotiations, while Albania and North Macedonia have faced delays in starting EU negotiations.

Kosovo and Bosnia are in the early stages of membership.

Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the country would apply for EU candidacy status, which Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia have done. Kurti described joining the EU as “the only future.”

Scholz praised Kosovo for supporting EU sanctions against Russia, calling the government in Pristina "a reliable partner.

Scholz also plans to visit Serbia, Greece, Northern Macedonia and Bulgaria.