(ANSA) - SOFIA - Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov is paying a one-day visit to Kosovo on Monday. According to Bta press agency, in Pristina Borissov said that in order to join the EU and take advantage of its funding, the Balkans need to change according to the criteria of the Union.

Borissov urged for dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina which in his opinion will enable them to solve their problems and thus apply for EU membership. He also voiced a hope that Skopje and Athens will too resolve the problem with the name of the Republic of Macedonia. The Bulgarian PM also stressed the importance of Transport Corridors 8 and 10 which go via Bulgaria and Kosovo. Kosovo President Hashim Thaci awarded the Order of Independence to Borissov for his contribution to Kosovo's freedom and independence. The high state award was given on the occasion of the tenth anniversary since the declaration of Kosovo's independence, the information service of the Bulgarian Government said. (ANSA).