Prishtina, 10 August 2026
The Acting Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, attended the opening of the 9th Ambassadors’ Conference, entitled “Kosovo in a Changing World: Security, Partnership and Development”.
At this important traditional event organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Prime Minister Kurti thanked the diplomatic representatives of the Republic of Kosovo serving in different countries around the world for their professionalism, integrity and dedication.
Prime Minister Kurti emphasised the importance of using public diplomacy to promote our national interests and strengthen Kosovo’s international image.
“The international environment in which you operate has become increasingly complex. Your role as ambassadors extends beyond traditional state-to-state relations. Increasingly, greater engagement is required with non-state actors, such as journalists, universities, businesses, civil society and citizens, through various forms of public diplomacy and digital communication. Engagement beyond traditional state-to-state relations entails more than formal representation; it requires sustained efforts to establish contacts, build partnerships and create new opportunities for the country,” he said.
Prime Minister Kurti also spoke about the challenges facing the world order, geopolitical tensions and various threats to peace and stability. He also highlighted the achievements of the Republic of Kosovo, which reflect our country’s capacity to function effectively and strengthen the confidence of international partners.
“In foreign policy, during 2025 we secured new recognitions from Kenya, Sudan, Syria and the Bahamas, giving momentum to a process that had been stalled for several years beyond our capacity to influence it. Kosovo’s passport has been significantly strengthened and this year, in 2026, ranks 57th, compared with 108th in 2021. We have made significant progress in strengthening the country’s international subjectivity by advancing the process of membership in the Council of Europe, advancing Kosovo’s status in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, and applying for membership in the European Union. At the same time, we have secured membership in 15 international organisations, thereby expanding Kosovo’s integration into international mechanisms,” the Prime Minister emphasised.
He also spoke about the progress achieved, as a result of which Kosovo is no longer included on lists of countries considered fragile and vulnerable, making Kosovo an even more credible actor on the global stage.
“Alongside these achievements, as a government we have worked to position Kosovo among the economies with the highest rates of economic growth. According to data from the International Monetary Fund, Kosovo is expected to remain the fastest-growing economy in Europe, with growth of around 4%. We have doubled exports, improving the export-to-import ratio from 1:9 to 1:6. Last year, foreign direct investment exceeded EUR 1 billion for the first time. Budget revenues have increased, as have capital expenditures,” he said.
Full speech by Acting Prime Minister Kurti:
Honourable Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Ms Albulena Haxhiu,
Honourable Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mr Glauk Konjufca,
Honourable Deputy Prime Minister for Minority Issues and Cooperation, Mr Fikrim Damka,
Honourable Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Kreshnik Ahmeti,
Honourable Ministers of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo: Minister of Defence, Ejup Maqedonci; Minister of Culture and Tourism, Saranda Bogujevci; Minister of Regional Development, Rasim Demiri; Minister of Digitalisation and Public Administration, Lulëzon Jagxhiu; and Minister for Communities and Return, Nenad Rašić,
Honourable Ambassadors and Ambassadresses and representatives of the diplomatic missions of the Republic of Kosovo,
Ladies and gentlemen,
We have gathered today for the 9th Ambassadors’ Conference, an event aimed at discussing the latest geopolitical and regional developments, planning our next steps, and coordinating our joint activities. This is also an opportunity to publicly acknowledge the diplomatic efforts of all of you who, with professionalism, dedication and integrity, serve our country every day, often away from the public eye and without the attention received by other public officials. On behalf of the institutions and citizens of the Republic of Kosovo, I thank you for your work as representatives of our Republic around the world.
The international environment in which you operate has become highly complex. Your role as ambassadors extends beyond traditional state-to-state relations. Increasingly, greater engagement is required with non-state actors such as journalists, universities, businesses, civil society and citizens through various forms of public diplomacy and digital communication. Engagement beyond traditional state-to-state relations entails more than formal representation; it requires sustained efforts to establish contacts, build partnerships and create new opportunities for the country.
The world order is facing numerous challenges and unprecedented difficulties, including geopolitical tensions and various threats to peace and stability. The global security environment, characterized by growing competition among major powers, is becoming increasingly unpredictable. Rapid changes and growing rivalry for global economic influence are making the world more fragmented and peace more vulnerable. Meanwhile, technological developments, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence and quantum computing, are expected to change the way states define and guarantee their national security in the future.
Since the time of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the assumptions about peace and stability that were built after the end of the Cold War no longer hold. The use of military force, cyber capabilities, disinformation campaigns and Russia’s political influence in other countries has brought to the fore the evolving nature of modern conflicts. Through its actions, Russia has demonstrated that these conflicts extend beyond the battlefield, by taking over the digital space and generating new forms of hybrid threats.
Coordinated campaigns of disinformation, propaganda and information manipulation make your work as Ambassadors more challenging. As diplomats, you are often on the front line of confronting false narratives and seeking to promote the truth in an increasingly contested digital environment. Foreign information manipulation and interference are also changing the way diplomacy is conducted. Today’s diplomats must deal with information management, counter disinformation, and maintaining public trust. It is extremely important that you identify and counter false narratives. This can best be achieved by providing fact-based information about our achievements and engaging with various non-state actors, including on digital platforms, in real time.
The geopolitical developments of our time, including Russia’s influence in the Western Balkans, have increased security sensitivities in the region. The expansion of Serbia’s military capabilities is not merely an effort to modernize its armed forces, but part of a broader political and diplomatic strategy directly linked to its hegemonic ambitions towards our region, and Kosovo in particular. The continued rhetoric of its leaders demonstrates the persistence of Serbia’s expansionist claims in the region, accompanied by calls for further strengthening of its military capabilities to achieve the same objective.
In the current global and regional context, Kosovo has chosen to stand firm and focus all its efforts on strengthening democratic institutions, increasing security capacities, and deepening international partnerships. For Kosovo, this means continuing its partnership with the United States of America and other allies that share the same values and remain committed to preserving a rules-based international order. Kosovo’s partnership with NATO, as well as its engagement through various cooperation programmes with the Alliance, are key pillars in consolidating our security capabilities, while NATO’s presence and role in Kosovo and the region remain crucial factors in maintaining and guaranteeing regional stability.
Our diplomatic role takes on particular importance during this period, not only to protect our national interests, but also to present a developed and prosperous Kosovo, a credible country ready to contribute to peace, security and shared regional, European and international development. The trilateral military agreement with Albania and Croatia, bilateral agreements with the United States of America, Türkiye, the United Kingdom and other countries, as well as joint missions with the armed forces of the United States of America and the United Kingdom, constitute the clearest evidence of our commitment to promoting and preserving international peace and security.
Concrete achievements at the domestic level reflect our state’s capacity to function effectively, thereby strengthening the confidence of our international partners. International reports by Freedom House, the World Justice Project and others highlight the country’s progress, positioning Kosovo on a positive trajectory of development and democratic consolidation.
In foreign policy, during 2025 we secured new recognitions from Kenya, Sudan, Syria and the Bahamas, giving momentum to a process that had been stalled for several years beyond our capacity to influence it. Kosovo’s passport has been significantly strengthened and this year, in 2026, ranks 57th, compared with 108th in 2021. We have made significant progress in strengthening the country’s international subjectivity by advancing the process of membership in the Council of Europe, advancing Kosovo’s status in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, and applying for membership in the European Union. At the same time, we have secured membership in 15 international organisations, thereby expanding Kosovo’s integration into international mechanisms.
Alongside these achievements, as a government we have worked to position Kosovo among the economies with the highest rates of economic growth. According to data from the International Monetary Fund, Kosovo is expected to remain the fastest-growing economy in Europe, with growth of around 4%. We have doubled exports, improving the export-to-import ratio from 1:9 to 1:6. Last year, foreign direct investment exceeded EUR 1 billion for the first time. Budget revenues have increased, as have capital expenditures. All this progress makes Kosovo an even more credible actor on the global stage, and it is therefore no coincidence that we are no longer among the countries considered fragile and vulnerable.
Last month, the European Union officially notified us that Kosovo will receive EUR 206.4 million from its funds under the IPA programmes for 2026 and 2027. Most of these funds will be invested in infrastructure projects, including energy, the environment and border management, as well as good governance and the advancement of the rule of law. We will continue our efforts to secure candidate-country status for Kosovo in the European Union and to begin accession negotiations, while simultaneously continuing to implement the reforms stemming from the European integration process.
Dear Ambassadors,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I began my remarks by emphasizing the use of public diplomacy to promote our national interests and strengthen Kosovo’s international image. A country’s ability to advance its interests on the international stage depends not only on its military and economic strength, but also on its capacity to build partnerships, maintain them, adhere to international norms, and promote those norms.
Cultural diversity, a young population with strong digital skills, as well as a large diaspora with unwavering determination and an unquestionable commitment to contributing to the country’s development, make Kosovo a country with considerable potential for public diplomacy. As part of your activities, I encourage you to promote our artists, our scientists, cultural and educational exchanges, the potential of our diaspora, as well as initiatives that reflect Kosovo’s values, identity, and achievements.
Allow me to conclude these remarks by once again thanking you for your continued commitment in the service of Kosovo. I wish you a pleasant and enjoyable stay in the country, and I hope that we will celebrate together the next successes and new achievements of the Republic of Kosovo.
Thank you!
