Albin Kurti

The Republic of Kosova is committed to EU and NATO membership. The renewed momentum of enlargement for both NATO and the EU require unity of engagement towards Kosova. The EU needs to deliver on the EU candidate status and opening of accession negotiations and NATO must strengthen its southeastern flank with Kosova's membership. This is the message we conveyed in a series of important and fruitful meetings on the sidelines of the Eighth Summit of the European Political Community in Yerevan, in discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, EU HR/VP Kaja Kallas, and other world leaders, including those from countries with which we aim to establish diplomatic relations, such as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and our host, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. At the summit, I also had the honor of speaking as part of two panels: “European Coalition Against Drugs” and “Reinforcing Democratic Resilience and Addressing Hybrid Threats.”

In the framework of the 8th EPC summit in Yerevan, I had a productive bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Armenia 🇦🇲@NikolPashinyan. We discussed numerous topics of common interest related to global ongoing issues, as well as ways to strengthen cooperation at the European level. In thanking the Armenian government for the kind hospitality, we agreed on the need to further develop the relations, and increase the bilateral coordination and collaboration in areas of joint interest. I look forward to meeting again and welcoming him in Prishtina.

We are grateful for the continued and steadfast support of the US for our prosperity, the security of our country, and that of the entire region.

While attending the London Defence Conference, I sat down with the conference's director, Iain Martin (@iainmartin1). We discussed a range of issues: UK's role in stopping the genocide in Kosova, our economic boom, Russia’s threat to our country, the EU, and NATO, hybrid warfare, and our strengthening defense capabilities. One theme kept surfacing: when Russia acts with a 19th-century mindset, history offers both a warning and a guide.

I sat down with @elperiodico in Barcelona to discuss why Spain should recognize Kosova, our path toward the European Union, which is supported by over 90% of our population, and other key issues. elperiodico.com/es/internacion…

Today, the European Commission started transferring €61.8M to Kosova in pre-financing under the Growth Plan, following the ratification of the agreements by our Assembly. We are grateful for the EU's support, and we take our reform commitments seriously and will do our utmost to deliver on each one of them. While Kosova delivers on the reforms, it's time for the EU to deliver on the candidate status. 🇽🇰🇪🇺

Congratulations to Péter Magyar on his election victory in Hungary. Kosova welcomes the Hungarian people’s support for European Union values and we look forward to working together.

Sir Noel Malcolm was at Harvard University when he was receiving constant calls from international media. At the outset of the war in Kosova in 1998, he published the most important international historical account of the country. By the time he was receiving those calls, the war was already well underway, ending in June of 1999 following the NATO intervention. His work was timely, as propaganda was being used to justify genocide, and it documented the systemic discrimination of Albanians. He set the record straight at a moment when distorted history was being weaponized, so that the truth of the past could shape a more just future. I had the honor of having a number of discussions with Sir Malcolm last night in London, who is currently at Oxford University, and of expressing my gratitude for what remains the most definitive English-language scholarly account on Kosova.

Eliot Engel had long been memorialized in Kosova before the boulevard in the city of Peja came to bear his name, through his powerful voice in Congress, where he stood among the first and most resolute members to condemn Milosevic's genocidal campaign. He advocated for NATO intervention to stop Serbian genocide, supported Kosova’s declaration of independence, and warned about the malign influence of Russia in Europe. Personally, and on behalf of the country, we receive the news of his passing with deep sorrow, but also with enduring gratitude for his service. He will live forever in our hearts and minds, as an exemplar of what public service can achieve—the lives it can save and the democracy that can flourish when people stand up for what is right.

A pleasure to join the opening panel of the London Defence Conference, Responding to a World in Crisis, alongside Dame Karen Pierce, Congressman Pat Harrigan, General Onno Eichelsheim, and Professor Dr. Julian Lindley-French. We discussed comprehensive security, the threat posed by Russia, Ukraine’s resilience, and the central role of alliances, among other issues.

I had the pleasure of being hosted in London for dinner by Lord Coaker, Minister of State in the House of Lords, together with other representatives of the UK government. We discussed Kosova’s defence strategy in the face of persistent threats from Russia and a dynamic geopolitical environment, regional security, and ways to further strengthen the very meaningful partnership that Kosova and the UK enjoy.

Always a pleasure to meet with @EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso, whom I thanked for the Bank's considerable financial backing of Kosova's development. We discussed how the Bank can continue to support Kosova's robust and rapidly growing private sector, as well as public infrastructure projects in diverse areas such as energy, water, and public transport. We agreed to continue building on the close partnership between our Government and the EBRD, for the benefit of Kosova's citizens and business community.

Enjoyed the dynamic panel discussion hosted by ODI in London, where I joined renowned economics commentator Martin Wolf from the Financial Times, ODI Chief Executive Sara Pantuliano, and ODI’s Dora Meredith to discuss statecraft and global stability. We explored the strategies, resilience, vulnerability, and agility that countries need today, and drew on several Gramsci quotes to paint the broader picture.

Very pleased to meet with UK Foreign Secretary @YvetteCooperMP today in London. The UK has been a key friend and ally throughout various stages of our country’s development. I discussed Kosova’s economic growth and democratic progress, as well as key areas of investment such as technology. We also highlighted sectors where we are investing and enjoy strong cooperation with the UK, such as defence. We look forward to further strengthening our close partnership.

Very saddened by the passing of Dr. Christian Schwarz-Schilling. A true friend of Kosova, he stood with our people in difficult times and remained committed to peace, justice, and European values throughout his life. May he rest in peace.

Happy Easter to all those celebrating at home and abroad. May Easter's timeless message of peace, prosperity, and spiritual renewal fill your hearts on this special day.

Congratulations @ShahBalen on your election as Prime Minister of Nepal. Wishing you every success in advancing progress, stability, and prosperity for your country. I look forward to strengthening cooperation between our countries and institutions, and to building a constructive partnership between the people of Kosova and Nepal.

A positive and productive meeting today with President @EmmanuelMacron at the Élysée Palace in Paris. We discussed security, EU integration, and reforms, with Kosova fully aligned with EU foreign policy, as well as expanding cooperation in education, investment, and trade. Grateful for France’s continued support. 🇽🇰🇫🇷

In the past few days, Kosova has once again received two very encouraging rankings. Sweden’s V-Dem Institute has positioned the country firmly among electoral democracies, the only one in the WB6 alongside Montenegro. Additionally, @Gallup's World Happiness Report has ranked Kosova 16th in the world, marking a significant rise from 29th place last year. This is an encouraging acknowledgment of the vitality of the country’s democracy and the prosperity it is experiencing.

Eid Mubarak to all who celebrate. May this blessed occasion bring peace, health, and prosperity to your homes.