Acting Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, hosted the Irish Minister for European Affairs and Defense, Thomas Byrne, during an official visit aimed at deepening bilateral ties and exploring new avenues for cooperation.
The key topics of discussion included strengthening bilateral relations, expanding economic and trade cooperation, Kosovo’s path toward European Union and Council of Europe membership, and enhancing collaboration in the field of defense.
Kurti recalled their initial meeting in July 2022, thanking Minister Byrne for his return visit, which he said reflects the strong and growing partnership and friendship between Kosovo and Ireland.
The acting Prime Minister expressed gratitude for Ireland’s contributions to peace and security in Kosovo through its participation in NATO’s peacekeeping mission, and for its continued support for Kosovo in international forums and integration processes.
Kurti highlighted Kosovo’s economic growth over the past four years, democratic progress, and institutional reforms aligned with EU membership criteria. He stressed the importance of granting Kosovo EU candidate status based on meritocracy.
Further, Kurti outlined Kosovo’s ongoing investments in defense and the development of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) according to NATO standards. He expressed readiness to collaborate with Ireland in the areas of security and defense.
The meeting also explored Kosovo’s potential in technology, investment opportunities, and the role of the diaspora. Both parties noted Ireland’s success in building a robust tech industry and organizing its diaspora—an approach Kosovo is adopting through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora.
