During his visit to the United States, Acting Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, met with Democratic Congressman Ritchie Torres, a long-time supporter of Kosovo.
The Office of the Prime Minister stated that Kurti thanked Congressman Torres for his open and vocal support for Kosovo, while providing updates on the country’s economic and democratic progress in recent years, as well as the latest developments in Kosovo and the region.
At the meeting, Kurti emphasized Kosovo’s unwavering aspiration to join the European Union and NATO, highlighting these as strategic goals for the country. He also underlined major investment plans in Kosovo, including the Pristina–Durres railway project, the rapid development of the technology sector, and opportunities for U.S. companies to invest and collaborate in Kosovo.
Torres has previously responded to statements by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić on September 14, 2024, which included demands affecting Kosovo. On the social platform X (formerly Twitter), Torres reaffirmed his support for Kosovo, stating that Vučić is “on the wrong side of history.” He criticized Vučić’s demands, which would have compromised Kosovo’s sovereignty, emphasizing that Kosovo is an independent country and will remain so with the support of its closest friend, the United States.
Torres also commented on the May 2023 violent protests in northern Kosovo, in which 25 NATO personnel were injured, questioning why the U.S. response appeared biased against Kosovo while remaining silent on provocations by Serbia. He wrote that the United States must stand with Kosovo.
Throughout his tenure, Congressman Torres has actively lobbied for Kosovo, urging five EU member states to recognize Kosovo’s independence, writing to former President Joe Biden to advocate for Kosovo’s NATO membership, and consistently describing Kosovo as one of America’s closest allies.
