"The association will greatly improve the living standards of citizens in Kosovo and will help avoid pressure, which was mainly put due to political factors," Maric said.
He added that the legally-binding association deal will mean that Kosovo’s citizens will no longer face problems related to obtaining medicine or changes in the educational system.
Maric said that the association is also expected to help form companies that will contribute to the economic development of the region.
"Using the association, entrepreneurs will be able to do business in a secure environment that will in turn help provide new jobs," Lubic said.
He was echoed by Aleksandar Jablanovic, chairman of the Srpska Lista (Serbian List), a political group representing the interests of the Serb minority in Kosovo.
At the same time, he remained cautiously optimistic on the matter, warning Pristina against violating the agreement.
"Drawing on lessons from the past, we should not relax after the agreement is signed; it's necessary to see whether Pristina has a political will to adhere to the accord," Jablanovic concluded.
Earlier, Alexandar Vucic said that the association of Serbian communities will have broad powers, as well as its own emblem and flag.
But Isa Mustafa, for his part, has made it clear in an interview that the association will not have executive powers.
