Washington DC, 27 July 2022 (TDI): The US Secretary of State met with Kosovan President Vjosa Osmani and Prime Minister Albin Kurti. The meeting took place in Washington, DC on 26 July Tuesday.
.@SecBlinken met with President Osmani and Prime Minister Kurti of Kosovo today. They discussed the enduring partnership between the United States & Kosovo and the Secretary thanked the leaders for their strong support for Ukraine and for hosting Afghans. https://t.co/8jZiyBZt1Y
— Ned Price (@StateDeptSpox) July 26, 2022
Agenda of the Meeting
During the meeting, Secretary Blinken emphasized the enduring partnership between the US and Kosovo. He also thanked the Kosovan leaders for their strong support for Ukraine and the generous hosting of Afghans.
The officials from Kosovo discussed good governance, the fight against crime and corruption, economic development and social support as a response to the needs of the citizens of their Republic.
Both sides discussed bilateral relations and the opportunities for their advancement, with more investments & exchanges. Kosovo also discussed the democratization of its region and the strengthening of political alliances to face dangers and threats.
Kosovo’s membership in the NATO Partnership for Peace Program was also on the agenda of the meeting. Both sides discussed the development of Kosovo’s defense and security capabilities that would contribute to long-term stability in the entire region.
The Republic of Kosovo also committed to reaching a legally binding agreement centered on mutual recognition between Kosovo and Serbia.
To this, Secretary Blinken took to his Twitter and assured ‘The United States supports Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic and international integration and the EU-facilitated Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue.’
Met today with President Osmani and Prime Minister Kurti of Kosovo. The United States supports Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic and international integration and the EU-facilitated Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue. We appreciate Kosovo’s hospitality to Afghans and its firm support for Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/cNIrY2EwwY
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) July 26, 2022
US-Kosovo Relations
Since Kosovo’s independence in 2008, the US has recognized Kosovo as an independent, sovereign state. The United States continues to support a multiethnic, democratic Kosovo, fully integrated into the international community.
This remains a key pillar of U.S. efforts to enhance stability in the Balkan region. US troops continue to participate in the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) to maintain a safe environment for all of Kosovo’s citizens.
U.S. investors in Kosovo are involved with projects in the construction, energy, health, information technology, and real estate development sectors.
The American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo is one of the most active and well-respected business organizations in the country.
Prime Minister Kurti wrote on his Twitter, ‘The relations between our countries and peoples are currently strong and historically deep. We stand side by side because we are friends, partners and allies.’
The relations between our countries and peoples are currently strong and historically deep. We stand side by side because we are friends, partners and allies.
— Albin Kurti (@albinkurti) July 26, 2022
