Kurti with Senators Shaheen and Durbin in Pristina: I seek America’s support for Kosovo’s accession to NATO

A high-level delegation of United States senators, consisting of Jeanne Shaheen and Dick Durbin, was received on Wednesday in Pristina by Prime Minister Albin Kurti. The talks focused on bilateral relations between Kosovo and Washington, as well as the security situation in the country.

Prime Minister Kurti did not miss the opportunity to present two key requests: approval of Kosovo’s membership in the North Atlantic Alliance and the conversion of the Bondsteel military camp into a permanent American base.

Among the other topics discussed were Belgrade’s policies, which Kurti assessed as concerning, including the close ties between Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and the former politician of Liverkovica, Milan Radoičić.

In addition to security issues, the agenda also included innovations in the education system, the vetting process in the judiciary, the government’s economic plans, as well as major infrastructure projects.

In his social media post, Kurti recalled that this was the second meeting with the senators, following the one at the Munich Security Conference, while emphasizing that Durbin’s visit marks the first time he has come to Kosovo.

According to the Prime Minister, the two American legislators congratulated him on the new governing mandates and on the election of the speaker of parliament, events which, according to him, restored institutional calm in the country. He thanked them for the continuous support they have given Kosovo in strengthening the alliance with America.

Kurti emphasized that although the security situation in the country remains stable, Serbia’s threatening rhetoric constitutes a source of concern, especially the mutual support between Vučić and Radoičić, whom he described as a terrorist arch-criminal.

The discussions also extended to the establishment of the State Bureau for the Verification and Confiscation of Unjustified Wealth, as well as the vetting of judicial structures.

As for the economy, Kurti noted that the export of information technology services has multiplied over the last five years, now accounting for 6% of the gross domestic product, while economic growth has exceeded the 4% threshold. He announced that this mandate will be marked by investments in railways, dams, defense industries, and stadiums, on the path toward the Pristina 2030 Mediterranean Games.