Kosovo’s Minister of Defence, Ejup Maqedonci, met with US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker on the sidelines of the Warsaw Security Forum 2026 to discuss bilateral defence cooperation, military procurement and Kosovo’s path toward NATO integration.
According to Kosovo’s Ministry of Defence, the meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in defence and improving coordination on issues of mutual interest.
Maqedonci expressed gratitude for the United States’ continued support for Kosovo, the Ministry of Defence and the Kosovo Security Force (KSF). He particularly highlighted cooperation with the Iowa National Guard, which has been ongoing for more than 15 years under the State Partnership Program.
The partnership has helped strengthen Kosovo’s defence capabilities through training, joint exercises and the exchange of expertise, the ministry said.
Whitaker reaffirmed support for Kosovo’s aspirations for NATO integration and for continued US assistance in developing the country’s defence capabilities, according to the statement.
The discussions also covered military procurement and the development of Kosovo’s domestic defence industry. The ministry said the two officials reviewed the development of Kosovo’s capabilities, including US-supplied systems and procedures already initiated for the purchase of Black Hawk helicopters.
Maqedonci also stressed the importance of supporting Kosovo’s NATO membership ambitions and expanding opportunities for Kosovo Security Force personnel to attend NATO training programmes and military schools.
The officials further discussed cooperation with NATO concerning KFOR’s presence and optimisation, as well as the normalisation of Kosovo’s airspace.
According to the ministry, Maqedonci expressed interest in exploring opportunities for cooperation based on the principle of shared responsibilities, including at Camp Bondsteel and Gjakova Airport.
He also highlighted Kosovo’s interest in contributing to the International Stabilization Force in Gaza, describing it as an opportunity for the country to demonstrate its readiness to assume responsibilities and contribute to international peace and security.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Maqedonci invited Whitaker to visit Kosovo to continue dialogue and advance bilateral cooperation.
The ministry reiterated that the partnership with the United States remains central to developing Kosovo’s defence capabilities and advancing its Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
