Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti has said that recognition of Kosovo’s independence should be a fundamental condition for Serbia’s next government, calling on the country’s emerging political leadership to adopt a new approach towards Kosovo.

In an interview with Radio France Internationale (RFI), Kurti expressed hope that the Student List, which reportedly won Serbia’s October 25 parliamentary elections, would commit to normalizing relations between the two countries.

He said it remained to be seen what position the list would take following the formation of the new government, but stressed that Serbia must accept political reality and stop treating Kosovo’s independence as reversible.

“Recognition of independence is the fundamental test for democracy in Serbia,” Kurti said, adding that democratic countries should cooperate rather than confront one another in pursuit of common interests.

During the interview, Kurti also criticized Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, referring to his political background as a minister under the regime of former Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic.

Kurti's remarks come amid political developments in Serbia and speculation over whether changes in its political leadership could influence dialogue and relations with Kosovo.

He also reiterated Kosovo's commitment to joining the European Union.