President of the Republic of Kosovo Justina Shiroka-Pula met with Stephen B. Nix, Senior Director for Europe and Eurasia at the International Republican Institute (IRI), to discuss Kosovo’s democratic development and its longstanding cooperation with the institute.
President Shiroka-Pula praised IRI’s contribution to advancing democracy and strengthening democratic institutions in Kosovo, particularly its support for political parties, efforts to improve their organisational structures and the development of communication with citizens. She also highlighted cooperation with the Assembly and initiatives aimed at empowering women in politics and decision-making.
Discussing developments in Kosovo, the President stressed that consolidating democracy requires functioning institutions, respect for the separation of powers, an independent judiciary and institutional accountability. She underlined the importance of safeguarding the constitutional order, respecting the mandates of each institution and strengthening citizens’ trust in the country’s institutions.
The meeting also addressed opportunities to expand cooperation between Kosovo’s institutions and IRI, focusing on democratic education, combating disinformation, promoting political debate, as well as issues related to regional security and Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic perspective.
