Albin Kurti

Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosova. President of @LVETEVENDOSJE

[Albin Kurti @albinkurti]

America turns 250 years old. This is a celebration of the birth of the country, but also of what changed the course of history. It is a tribute to the country's sacred text, a profound statement of values, and to its often, and rightfully, quoted words: "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

But it is also a recognition of what America has become since: a place where people found not only refuge, but also the opportunity to live their lives more freely and more boldly than elsewhere.

Among them have been many from Kosova, who over the centuries fled political persecution and found the chance to live the life they deserved, but had been denied elsewhere.

The ideals proclaimed 250 years ago did not remain within America's borders. They found resonance in Kosova's own struggle for freedom and self-determination, and, most importantly, in the unwavering support of the United States for our fight to secure those very rights.

We honor the country whose contribution to our own independence, and to our own fight for "unalienable rights," has been so deeply woven into our history that the aspirations of human freedom expressed by the United States have become our aspirations as well.

Happy Fourth, and happy 250th, America!

[Albin Kurti @albinkurti]

Today, I had the pleasure of welcoming the America250 delegation. Established by the U.S. Congress, America250 is a bipartisan initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, bringing together distinguished leaders from academia, public service, the military, and other sectors from both Kosova and the United States. The delegation included Professor Daniel Serwer and Edward P. Joseph of Johns Hopkins University SAIS, Mario Marquez, Executive Director of Government Affairs at The American Legion, Besa Tafilaj Pinchotti, CEO of the National Military Family Association and was led by Faton Bislimi.

I am proud that Kosova is the first and only country outside the United States to be officially included in the international programming of this historic milestone. Our conversation focused on the remarkable progress Kosova has made in recent years and on expanding our cooperation across a range of strategic areas, including foreign policy, energy, defense, and security. I look forward to building on this partnership in the years ahead.

[Albin Kurti @albinkurti]

I welcomed today Valentina Superti, @eu_enlargement_'s Director for the Western Balkans, on her first visit to Kosova.

We have made real progress on EU reforms and standards: on rule of law, anti-corruption, political rights and civil liberties, and on free, fair and competitive elections. From a merit-based enlargement perspective, Kosova deserves candidate status and the opening of accession negotiations.

We see the EU accession process for what it is, a process that strengthens our democratic institutions and the resilience of our society, raises our standards in environment, energy and transport, and deepens our shared values. In this, we have a shared responsibility with the EU.

We also discussed regional cooperation, including implementing Berlin Process agreements, particularly free movement with ID cards, still not ratified by Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the agreement on diploma recognition, which is being blocked by Serbia and is especially affecting the youth mobility of our region.

[Albin Kurti @albinkurti]

It's always a pleasure to meet with Professor @DanielSerwer, a great friend of Kosova and an invaluable ally to the cause of peace. After many warm and inspiring encounters on both sides of the Atlantic, I welcomed him today to the Office of the Prime Minister, just a few days before the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. 

As usual, our conversation covered a wide range of topics, from the current political situation in Kosova, to the steps we are taking to prepare the way for EU and NATO accession, to recent geopolitical developments and their implications for Kosova and the region's security. 

In addition to wishing him a happy upcoming Fourth of July, I thanked him for his willingness to speak truth to power, in the Western Balkans and beyond.

[Albin Kurti @albinkurti]

Today we mark Kosova Liberation Day, celebrating 27 years of freedom for our people — an achievement paid for with the sacrifices of the brave men and women who gave their lives to put an end to a decade of repression, and the war and genocide that followed.

On this special day, we also honor the vital contribution of our international allies and partners, who were determined to see our people's aspirations for freedom and independence come to full fruition.

Thank you, and Happy Kosova Liberation Day to all.

[Albin Kurti @albinkurti]

While in Vienna, I sat down with the Austrian newspaper Die Presse (@DiePressecom) to discuss the recent elections in Kosova, the country's EU path, and more.

https://t.co/tC3C0KzaFK

[Albin Kurti @albinkurti]

Happy to have met Federal Chancellor @_CStocker today in Vienna, ahead of the Vienna Economic Forum.

I thanked Austria for its long-standing friendship and its steadfast support for Kosova's membership in the EU and @coe. I emphasized that Kosova is ready for candidate status and the opening of accession negotiations. We also discussed strengthening our cooperation in trade, investment and energy.

Austria and Kosova share close ties, not least through our thriving diaspora community that lives in and contributes to Austria.

[Albin Kurti @albinkurti]

Thank you to the people of Kosova, at home and abroad, for participating in free, fair, and peaceful elections that once again demonstrated the strength of our democracy.

We are honored by the trust you have placed in us to continue leading the country forward. For the fifth time in seven years, citizens have renewed their confidence in our vision and our work, a strong endorsement of the progress we have achieved together. We will work diligently to form the new institutions and serve the people of Kosova.

[Albin Kurti @albinkurti]

A pleasure to host President of the European Council @eucopresident António Costa in Prishtina today, days ahead of the EU–Western Balkans Summit in Tivat.

At this renewed momentum for enlargement, Kosova stands as a reliable, value-driven partner of the EU, fully aligned with CFSP including sanctions against Russia, contributing to the security of our continent, and advancing democracy at home.

With proven progress in strengthening the rule of law and democratic institutions, with gains in freedoms and the fight against corruption, and becoming one of the fastest-growing economies in the region, Kosova has earned the next steps: candidate status and the opening of accession negotiations.

[Albin Kurti @albinkurti]

It was a pleasure to welcome yesterday in Prishtina @HoxhaFer, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, a country with which we share a special relationship.

We discussed the deepening of cooperation in various sectors, including diplomacy, energy, and railway infrastructure.

We also spoke about the importance of coordination in foreign policy and of close cooperation in the Euro-Atlantic integration processes of both countries, as well as advancing regional engagement.

[Albin Kurti @albinkurti]

A pleasure to host the bipartisan delegation of Congressmen @RepKeithSelf and @RepSuhas in Prishtina today. I thanked them for their strong support for Kosova’s accession to NATO, specifically through House Resolutions 1246 and 1250, as well as for their continued support for security and prosperity in the region. I also discussed Kosova’s investment in defense, alongside increased investment in the private sector, stronger economic ties with the United States in the field of technology and trade, as well as ambitious plans for education reform and more.

We also spoke about minority rights, where I emphasized that there must be a comparable standard of minority rights across all Western Balkan countries. The United States remains an indispensable partner to Kosova, and we look forward to ever-growing ties.

[Albin Kurti @albinkurti]

Sincere condolences to Prime Minister @Bart_DeWever and the entire people of Belgium after this morning's tragic train and bus accident in Flanders. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those killed, and we wish a speedy recovery to those injured.

[Albin Kurti @albinkurti]

On this 🇺🇸 Memorial Day, in the name of the Government and people of Kosova, I convey the thanks of our Republic to all the American soldiers who have contributed to our liberation and to the continuing security and prosperity of our country. On this solemn day, let us also remember all those who gave their lives for the eternal values of freedom, equality, and democracy.

[Albin Kurti @albinkurti]

Congratulations to @JJansaSDS on being elected Prime Minister of Slovenia. Our countries share strong ties, and we look forward to continued cooperation.

[Albin Kurti @albinkurti]

Bilateral defense cooperation between Kosova and the United States is stronger than ever. This is in large part due to the overwhelming bipartisan support that Kosova enjoys in the U.S. Congress.

I had the pleasure to hold a virtual meeting tonight with four of Kosova's most important congressional allies: @RepKeithSelf, @RepRitchie, @RepMikeLawler, and @RepGLatimer. I thanked them for their joint sponsorship of two major resolutions in support of Kosova, calling respectively for Kosova's accession to NATO and for U.S. forces' ongoing participation in KFOR.

Our wide-ranging conversation touched on a number of key topics, such as: our Government's longstanding position that Camp Bondsteel should be made a permanent military base; the importance of universal recognition of Kosova among NATO member states; the Draft Framework Agreement on Defense Cooperation between Kosova and the U.S.; and the upcoming establishment of the Kosova Gendarmerie.

I look forward to continuing to work closely with Reps. Self, Torres, Lawler, and Latimer on promoting our bilateral defense cooperation — for the sake of both regional security and the shared democratic values of Kosova and the United States.

[Albin Kurti @albinkurti]

It was a pleasure to welcome Kevin Hamilton, NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Partnerships, to Prishtina today for his first visit to our country. We discussed Kosova’s growth, including in the fields of technology and defense, which also encompasses ammunition production in Kosova. We also discussed regional security, the strong partnership with NATO, and ways to further deepen it.

[Albin Kurti @albinkurti]

A pleasure to host Commissioner @MartaKosEU in Prishtina today in her first visit to Kosova.

Kosova is the most reliable partner in the EU accession process, with one of the highest levels of public support for EU membership in the region and beyond. I shared with Commissioner Kos Kosova's democratic progress, economic growth, and advancements in EU reforms. I appreciate her dedication to our region and her commitment to a merit-based enlargement process with EU values at the center.

41 months after we applied for EU membership, it is time for Kosova to receive its candidate status and open the accession negotiations. The EU accession process will further consolidate Kosova's democracy, increase economic growth, and improve the well-being of our citizens which is a shared goal and a mutual interest.

[Albin Kurti @albinkurti]

The Republic of Kosova is committed to EU and NATO membership. The renewed momentum of enlargement for both NATO and the EU require unity of engagement towards Kosova. The EU needs to deliver on the EU candidate status and opening of accession negotiations and NATO must strengthen its southeastern flank with Kosova's membership.

This is the message we conveyed in a series of important and fruitful meetings on the sidelines of the Eighth Summit of the European Political Community in Yerevan, in discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, EU HR/VP Kaja Kallas, and other world leaders, including those from countries with which we aim to establish diplomatic relations, such as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and our host, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

At the summit, I also had the honor of speaking as part of two panels: “European Coalition Against Drugs” and “Reinforcing Democratic Resilience and Addressing Hybrid Threats.”

[Albin Kurti @albinkurti]

In the framework of the 8th EPC summit in Yerevan, I had a productive bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Armenia 🇦🇲@NikolPashinyan.

We discussed numerous topics of common interest related to global ongoing issues, as well as ways to strengthen cooperation at the European level.

In thanking the Armenian government for the kind hospitality, we agreed on the need to further develop the relations, and increase the bilateral coordination and collaboration in areas of joint interest.

I look forward to meeting again and welcoming him in Prishtina.

[Albin Kurti @albinkurti]

We are grateful for the continued and steadfast support of the US for our prosperity, the security of our country, and that of the entire region.

[Glauk Konjufca @KonjufcaGlauk]

I welcome the introduction of the bipartisan resolution in the US House of Representatives in support of Kosova’s membership in @NATO, and I thank Congressmen @RepKeithSelf, @RepRitchie, and @RepMikeLawler for their support and steady commitment to security in the Western Balkans. Kosova is ready to contribute to the security of the region and of the transatlantic community. 🇽🇰 🇺🇸