The United States Embassy in Kosovo stated on Wednesday that following the December 28 parliamentary elections, it aims to work closely with the newly elected government to advance shared priorities between the two countries.
In written responses to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), a spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Prishtina said Washington hopes to deepen its partnership with the Government of Kosovo, including the resumption of the planned Strategic Dialogue.
“This will require action to advance our shared agenda for regional peace, stability, and mutual economic prosperity,” the Embassy spokesperson said.
The Embassy’s statement follows remarks by caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti, who said in an interview with local broadcaster Kanal 10 that relations between Kosovo and the United States remain very strong, noting that disagreements have primarily focused on Serbia and its structures, rather than on bilateral issues.
On December 11, Kurti also stated that cooperation in the areas of defense and security has never been better.
However, in September, the United States announced the indefinite suspension of the planned Strategic Dialogue with Kosovo, citing concerns over actions taken by the caretaker government.
The U.S. Embassy said it was “disappointed by Kurti’s actions,” emphasizing that his decisions had increased instability and insecurity in Kosovo. The Strategic Dialogue had been intended to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties, but Washington viewed certain government actions as obstacles to progress.
Political analysts at the time described the suspension as a warning sign that international support for Kurti and his government was weakening.
Kurti initially acknowledged differences with the United States but denied that relations had deteriorated. Later, on September 28, he argued that the suspension was linked to the enforcement of the rule of law in northern Kosovo, stating that such actions were directed against illegal Serbian structures and that he could not compromise on this issue.
The Strategic Dialogue, which the U.S. conducts with partner countries, involves high-level discussions held either in Washington or the partner country, covering areas such as defense, security, energy, environmental policy, and economic cooperation.
The United States has provided more than $2 billion in assistance to Kosovo since 1998 and is widely regarded as Kosovo’s most important international partner, with its support considered vital for the country’s stability and development.
In recent years, Kurti — who has been in power since winning the 2021 elections — has faced international criticism over decisions affecting northern Kosovo, a Serb-majority area. These include the replacement of Serbian license plates, the removal of the Serbian dinar from circulation, and the closure of Serbian-run institutions.
Kurti has defended these measures as part of extending the rule of law, stating they are fully in line with Kosovo’s Constitution and laws. However, the United States and European partners have frequently described the actions as unilateral and poorly coordinated.
