Prishtina, 22 May, 2023
Today, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, welcomed the American senators, Chris Murphy from the ranks of the Republicans and Gary Peters, from the ranks of the Democrats, whom he thanked for the visit.
In addition to the discussion about the excellent relations between our two states and our two peoples, which are getting stronger and deeper as they come, the prime minister informed the senators about the latest economic and democratic indicators, as they are continuously evidenced by credible international reports. Speaking about the second consecutive participation as a host country of the military exercises Defender Europe 23, the prime minister underlined the increase in the defense budget in the last two years, not leaving out the increase in the budget in health and education.
He further singled out the visit of the USAID administrator, Samantha Power, just 10 days ago, with whom they launched the first auction for the solar park with a capacity of 100 M. The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude for the help and support of the United States of America in the just energy transition towards sustainable and green energy.
Senator Murphy, who had visited Kosovo a little more than a year ago, expressed his happiness that he is meeting again with Prime Minister Kurti, whom he thanked for his attitude towards Ukraine and for accepting Afghan refugees, proving that the US has a reliable partner country. He also congratulated him on economic performance, foreign investments, the fight against corruption and the rule of law. Senator Peters also congratulated Prime Minister Kurti on the impressive economic performance.
The meeting also discussed the relations with Serbia and the results of the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, mediated by the European Union with emphasis on the Basic Agreement and the Implementation Annex. In relation to them, which constitute the advancement of relations between the two countries and are a platform and opportunity for their complete normalization, the Prime Minister stated that full, rapid and unconditional implementation is needed, as he informed them about Kosovo’s proposal, for regarding the implementation of Article 7 of the Basic Agreement, inspired by the Croatian model.
Senator Murphy said that Serbia should not hinder Kosovo’s membership in international organizations, while Senator Peters said in the meeting that Serbia should be held responsible for its non-action regarding the implementation of the Basic Agreement.
The senators were accompanied by the ambassador of the United States of America in Kosovo, Jeffrey Hovenier.
The Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Besnik Bislimi, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Liza Gashi and the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, Luan Dalipi, were also present at this meeting.
Last modified: May 23, 2023