British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has responded to a congratulatory letter from Kosovo’s caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti, expressing hope that a new government in Kosovo will be formed soon so the two countries can deepen cooperation on shared priorities.
Burnham thanked Kurti for his message following his appointment as prime minister and emphasized the longstanding partnership between the United Kingdom and Kosovo.
“The United Kingdom and Kosovo share a close and enduring partnership forged through our shared history,” Burnham wrote, highlighting Britain’s support for the people of Kosovo during NATO’s intervention in 1999, its recognition of Kosovo’s independence and its continued contribution to the KFOR peacekeeping mission.
Burnham said the UK would remain a strong supporter of Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations and would continue backing the country’s efforts to strengthen its international integration.
“The United Kingdom will remain a strong supporter of Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations and we will continue to work to advance Kosovo’s integration into international institutions,” he said, also citing support for Kosovo’s application to the Council of Europe and its continued progress toward NATO.
The British prime minister also expressed hope that Kosovo would form a new government as soon as possible.
“I hope that a new government of Kosovo will be formed quickly so that we can deepen cooperation between our two countries on shared priorities, including defence and security, trade and investment, tackling irregular migration and strengthening economic ties,” Burnham wrote.
He reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to the security and prosperity of the Western Balkans and said London would continue working closely with Kosovo to support a more stable, connected and prosperous future for the region.
“As a close friend of Kosovo, the United Kingdom remains strongly committed to the security and prosperity of the Western Balkans,” Burnham said, adding that he looked forward to working closely with Kurti to further strengthen the friendship and partnership between the two countries.
