Prishtina, 22 May, 2023
Dear Senators Chris Murphy and Gary Peters, welcome to Kosovo,
Dear citizens, dear journalists,
We had a hearty conversation with Senators Murphy and Peters. First of all, we talked about the excellent relations between our two countries and our two peoples, which are getting stronger and deeper.
Yesterday with the ambassador of the United States of America, Mr. Jeffrey Hovenier and I were together at the opening ceremony of the largest military exercise in the region, Defender Europe 23, in which Kosovo is participating this year for the second time in a row as a host country. With 1,000 more soldiers than in the previous exercise, we are fourth in terms of military personnel among the 25 armies led by the United States of America.
Ten days ago, together with the USAID administrator, Samantha Power, we launched the first auction for the solar energy park with a capacity of 100 megawatts in this hall. A year earlier, in July 2022, in Washington DC we signed the $236.7 million agreement with MCC for the largest energy investment ever, both giant steps towards a just transition to energy independence with renewable energy in center.
In the last meeting we had in Pristina with the delegation of American senators led by Senator Chris Murphy, where Senators Shaheen and Tillis were also present, 13 months ago, we emphasized that it has never been more important than now that all democratic states to stand together against Russia’s aggressive and illegal war in Ukraine.
Cooperation and partnership in the field of defense and energy security alongside joint sanctions against Russia is the best response to the new reality.
Democracy, society, political pluralism, human rights need to be protected more than ever. Democracy is both the strongest and the most fragile system. It is the strongest system because it is the fairest system, but it is the most fragile system because it is the most open system. Therefore, we must cultivate and protect it.
Today, in addition to bilateral relations, we also discussed the latest developments in the country, our government, which is now more than two years old, achievements, and progress and future goals.
We also discussed the relations with our northern neighbor, Serbia, and the results of the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, mediated by the European Union, with an emphasis on the Basic Agreement and the Implementation Annex. They represent the advancement of relations between the two countries and are a platform and opportunity for their complete normalization. Therefore, we need comprehensive, swift and unconditional implementation.
I thank the American senators once again for their visit, interest and continuous contribution, for strengthening the ties between our friendly, partner and allied states.
You are welcome every time!
Thank you, and now it’s up to you.
Last modified: May 23, 2023