The agreement was initialled by Serbia and Kosovo on Friday in Brussels and endorsed by the Serbian government and Kosovar parliament today.

Bratušek believes that it is a signal to the entire region that constructive and effective dialogue leads to solutions that consolidate the significance of regional dialogue and neighbourly relations in stability and development of the Western Balkan countries.

She moreover expects the countries to launch the implementation of the agreement and continue the efforts for normalisation in bilateral relations.

Slovenia remains dedicated to provide active aid to the Western Balkan countries in their efforts to join the EU. Bratušek expects the agreement will lead the EU to make concrete decisions - a step forward in the countries' EU integration.

Kosovo and Serbia are mature enough for a step forward in their efforts to join the EU, Igor Senčar, Foreign Ministry state secretary, said on the margins of an EU ministerial in Brussels.

Slovenia wants to see Serbia launch accession talks with the EU in June and Kosovo to sign the Stability and Association Agreement, the state secretary reiterated the Foreign Ministry's position.

Slovenia's former Ambassador to Serbia Borut Šuklje, who now runs consultancy specialising in the Balkans, believes that the deal was an exceptional political agreement.

He told the STA on Saturday that the document was important for the situation in the region, the two countries and EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton personally, as proof that she is capable of finding solutions.

Šuklje moreover believes that EU enlargement to the Balkans will continue. "Serbia will become a full-fledged EU member relatively soon."