Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti and opposition leader Lumir Abdixhiku have reached an agreement on a consensus candidate for the country’s presidency, Abdixhiku announced following talks with Kurti.

The two leaders agreed on Bekim Sejdiu as the proposed candidate for president, according to Abdixhiku.

Abdixhiku said discussions between the two sides began on July 9 and were focused on finding a political solution that would allow the country to move forward and avoid new elections.

“The talks were not easy, but they were exhaustive,” Abdixhiku said, adding that the two sides held continuous discussions and remained committed to finding a consensus candidate.

He said several names had been considered during the negotiations, including individuals who had made contributions to Kosovo and demonstrated democratic and civic values.

“During our discussions, we agreed on one name: Bekim Sejdiu,” Abdixhiku said after the meeting with Kurti.

The agreement comes as Kosovo’s political leadership seeks to resolve a dispute over the country’s next president and avoid another electoral confrontation.

Further details on the proposed candidacy and the parliamentary process required for Sejdiu’s election were not immediately provided.