Prishtina, 29 July 2025
The Acting Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, welcomed the Minister for European Affairs and Defense of Ireland, Thomas Byrne.
The main topics of discussion were bilateral relations and the enhancement of economic and trade cooperation, Kosovo’s membership in the European Union and the Council of Europe, as well as the strengthening of partnership in the field of defense.
Recalling their first meeting in July 2022, Prime Minister Kurti thanked Minister Byrne for his return visit, which reflects the very good bilateral relations, partnership, and friendship between the Republic of Kosovo and Ireland.
He expressed gratitude for Ireland’s contribution to peace and security in the country through its participation in the NATO mission in Kosovo, and for its continuous support of the state of Kosovo internationally, in integration processes, and in membership in international organizations.
The Prime Minister spoke about Kosovo’s economic growth over the past four years, the advancement of democracy, and reforms undertaken for EU membership—emphasizing, in this context, the importance of granting candidate status to Kosovo based on merit.
He also addressed investments in defense and in the Kosovo Security Force, in accordance with the criteria and standards of NATO member states, and expressed readiness to cooperate with Ireland in the field of security and defense.
Kosovo’s potential in the field of technology, the investment opportunities it offers, and the role of the diaspora were also points of discussion. The Irish example in developing a technology industry, from which Kosovo can benefit, and Ireland’s model of diaspora organization—currently being implemented by Kosovo’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora—were particularly highlighted.
Images from the meeting of the Acting Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, with Ireland’s Minister for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas
