Former President of Kosovo and wealthy businessman Behgjet Pacolli has wrapped up a series of high-profile political and diplomatic meetings during an official visit to Washington, D.C.
Pacolli’s itinerary focused heavily on informal, back-channel diplomacy designed to promote Kosovo’s international recognition and build strategic alliances with key global figures, including top political leaders and Trump administration advisors.
Diplomatic Breakthrough: Meeting Iraq’s New Prime Minister
The most significant diplomatic engagement of Pacolli’s trip was an unannounced meeting with the newly appointed Prime Minister of Iraq, Dr. Ali al-Zaidi.
Iraq is historically part of the global bloc that does not officially recognize Kosovo’s statehood. Pacolli utilized the session to engage in direct institutional lobbying:
“I had the pleasure of meeting the new Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq, Dr. Ali al-Zaidi. On this occasion, I had the opportunity to brief him directly on the developments and processes that the Republic of Kosovo is undergoing, with a particular emphasis on our ongoing efforts to strengthen our international subjectivity and promote our status on the global stage.”
— Behgjet Pacolli, Former President of Kosovo
Gala Receptions and U.S. Security Alliances
Pacolli also attended two exclusive receptions in the U.S. capital where Kosovo’s geopolitical security and diplomatic ties served as central talking points.
He re-established contact with historical allies and connected with rising American political figures:
- General Wesley Clark: The retired U.S. Army General who commanded Operation Allied Force during the 1999 Kosovo War.
- Congressman Abe Hamadeh: The sitting U.S. Representative from Arizona.
- Dr. Omar: A high-level advisor to the President of Egypt.
Connecting with the Trump Administration Network
The previous evening, Pacolli attended another high-level gathering in Washington organized by Paolo Zampolli, a prominent close advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump.
Pacolli noted that the event was an excellent venue for building conversational bridges and promoting Kosovar interests directly within elite American political circles. Notably, the reception also featured international figures outside of politics, including German national football star and Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger.
Pacolli concluded his update by reaffirming that such private, high-profile encounters remain a vital tool for bypass diplomacy, reinforcing historical friendships, and securing new economic and political support for the Republic of Kosovo.
