Opposition parties in Kosovo have called for the swift resumption of the Strategic Dialogue with the United States of America, stressing that the government must take steps to restore the confidence of its American partners.
Meanwhile, representatives of the Vetëvendosje Movement have stated that Kosovo continues to maintain close cooperation with the United States and that ongoing processes will continue to advance under the new mandate of the country’s institutions.
Vetëvendosje MP Arbëresha Kryeziu said that the resumption of the dialogue falls within the responsibilities of the Government and the Presidency, emphasising that cooperation between Kosovo and the US has continued despite the suspension.
“This is a matter for the Government and the Presidency. They will, of course, pursue their own strategies, which I am not familiar with, as I am a member of Parliament and this matter falls within the scope of our work in parliamentary committees. We generally follow the initiatives launched by institutions such as the Presidency, the Government and the Assembly, as well as the relevant parliamentary committees.
“You are aware of the reasons why the Strategic Dialogue was suspended. I believe that, despite the interruption, cooperation has continued, as we have consistently maintained mutual cooperation that has helped advance issues of interest to our country. This will certainly continue now as well.
“There is no particular reason for concern, as the Republic of Kosovo has always maintained close cooperation and coordination with the United States of America. The US has always been, and remains, Kosovo’s principal ally,” she said.
Kryeziu added that she expects Kosovo’s institutions to continue advancing matters of national interest, while noting that she could not speak on behalf of the Government or the Presidency regarding the strategies they intend to pursue.
“This will naturally happen, especially now that our institutions have received their full mandates and will operate accordingly throughout this full political term. We will continue to move matters forward.
“I cannot say what the Presidency or the Government will do, as this involves a large number of ministries and relevant departments that are responsible for developing their own strategies and presenting proposals on how we should proceed. However, I believe that, just as we have advanced these processes over the past six years, we will continue to do so even more forcefully now,” she said.
Meanwhile, Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) MP Enver Hoxhaj described the resumption of the Strategic Dialogue as vital for Kosovo, calling for clear priorities and defined timelines to be established as part of the process.
“The Strategic Dialogue is a mechanism through which both sides sit down together and put forward issues that are relevant and important to both countries. I believe it is vital for Kosovo to resume the Strategic Dialogue as soon as possible and identify the issues that are essential to the country.
“Kosovo’s membership in NATO and obtaining Partnership for Peace status as the first step should be the main priority. Greater American support in defence and security, including the procurement of equipment for the Kosovo Security Force (KSF), KSF training and the strengthening of our defence capabilities, should constitute a second key area of discussion with our American partners,” he said.
Hoxhaj stressed that the dialogue should also address securing new international recognitions and Kosovo’s membership in international organisations.
“Regarding Kosovo’s international standing, many countries around the world have supported Kosovo when the United States has supported our country. Thanks to American influence, we have enjoyed international support not only in Europe but also in other parts of the world.
“New recognitions and Kosovo’s membership in various international organisations, including Interpol and other bodies, should also be priorities. The Strategic Dialogue provides a platform for both countries to sit down and identify the three or four issues that matter most during the year, establish timelines and determine how support can be mobilised to address each of them,” he said.
Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) MP Lutfi Haziri also called on the Government to take urgent action to restore the dialogue, arguing that its suspension was linked to the executive’s conduct.
“I do not think we need to dwell too much on the consequences at this stage, because we are still experiencing them. The dialogue has been suspended, and the Government knows why. It is solely related to the conduct of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo. It has nothing to do with anything else in this country, nor with the political stability or instability the country has experienced.
“The Government must take urgent steps to restore trust and revive the long-awaited agenda. The US Strategic Dialogue with Kosovo has been suspended, while the dialogue with Serbia has reached a certain stage of development. This places Kosovo in a position of disadvantage, and we must not allow ourselves to remain on the defensive.
“I expect the Government to build on the existing consensus, formalise it to some extent and take the necessary steps to ensure that the US State Department treats the resumption of the Strategic Dialogue with urgency,” he said.
Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) MP Time Kadrijaj expressed a similar position, blaming the Government for the suspension of the dialogue and calling for a coordinated institutional strategy to restore it.
“First and foremost, the Government must not contribute to circumstances that lead to sanctions against Kosovo and the suspension of the Strategic Dialogue. Frankly, the Government’s own reckless and uncoordinated actions have contributed to the United States cancelling the dialogue.
“We have also faced sanctions from the European Union. Prime Minister Albin Kurti must reflect on the fact that Kosovo cannot follow the path it aspires to without allies. Kosovo’s path must lead towards membership in the European Union, credible international organisations, the Council of Europe and NATO.
“The Government must seek partners if necessary. Our allies expect reliable and consistent partners who have a clear vision and strategy. A joint strategy must be developed that includes all relevant institutions. Parliamentary committees dealing with foreign affairs and European integration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Government and the Presidency must all work towards the same objectives,” she told EO.
The United States suspended the Strategic Dialogue with Kosovo indefinitely on September 12, 2025. In an official statement issued by the US Embassy in Pristina, Washington said the decision was a direct consequence of unilateral political actions taken by the Government of Kosovo without coordination.
