Prishtina, 24 July 2022
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Albin Kurti, received today in a meeting the executive chairman of the Atlantic Council, General James Jones, the founder and chairman of the Malama Ka’u Foundation, Mr. Mel Yokoyama, and the former Minister of Defence of the Republic of Albania, Mr. Fatmir Mediu.
They discussed political developments, investment opportunities and security issues in Kosovo and the region.
Prime Minister Kurti informed General Jones about the progress during one third of the governing mandate, emphasizing institutional stability, positive economic and democratic indicators.
He singled out the ranking of Kosovo in the first place in terms of the rule of law in the Balkans, according to the World Justice Project, the jumping 17 places up in terms of the fight against corruption, according to Transparency International, and the 17 places up in terms of media freedom according to Reporters Without Borders.
As an inevitable ally and friend, we need the help of the United States of America to become part of the NATO Partnership for Peace Program, until we become a full member of NATO, said Prime Minister Kurti, while emphasizing the growth of the defence budget by 52 per cent and the very good cooperation and participation in joint missions and exercises of the Kosovo Security Force with the U.S Army and with NATO.
The Prime Minister emphasized the Government’s commitment to promoting investments through sustainable economic and social development and zero tolerance towards crime and corruption.
General Jones was the Supreme Alliance Commander for Europe and former National Security Advisor to the President of the USA. He has supported Albania’s membership in NATO and is the initiator of the Baltic, Mediterranean and Black Sea Initiative, which includes all Central European countries for investments in infrastructure, energy and technology.
The meeting was also attended by the member of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, Mrs. Shqipe Selimi and Prime Minister Kurti’s adviser, Mr. Lulëzon Jagxhiu.
Last modified: July 25, 2022