Austrian Minister for Foreign Affairs Sebastian Kurz on Friday reiterated his government's stance that it would like to see the Western Balkans nations in the European Union, ahead of a scheduled visit to the region next week.

Kurz said in an interview with the Austria Press Agency that his visit marks Austria's "continued commitment for the Western Balkans," to whom it is also "humanly, economically, culturally, and historically closely linked."

He said EU convergence for these countries would provide greater prosperity, stability, and legal certainty, as well as have the effect of securing jobs in Austria.

"Austria therefore very clearly remains an advocate for EU accession for all countries of the Western Balkans," he added.

The minister will have his first stop in Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday, and will make his way through the Western Balkan nations ending with a visit to Macedonia on Friday.

Topics of discussion with leaders of these countries will range from the refugee crisis to cultural and business exchanges. Endit

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