Acting Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, emphasized that Kosovo represents a “double success story.” According to him, first, it is a success story of NATO’s military and humanitarian intervention that stopped Serbian genocide, and second, it is a state where economic development and democracy progress hand in hand.
On Thursday, Kurti participated as a guest in the discussion “Peacekeeping at a Crossroads: The Future of UN Missions and Global Responsibility”, organized as part of the Paris Peace Forum.
He highlighted that over the years, as state institutions strengthened, international military presence decreased while economic progress increased.
“Today, Kosovo’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita is six times higher than in 2000 and three times higher than in 2008, the year independence was declared. Kosovo should serve as an example that liberation and independence also bring macroeconomic and social dividends for all citizens,” Kurti stated, according to a press release from the Prime Minister’s office.
Kurti added that every peacekeeping mission requires shared values, not just shared interests, stressing the importance of multilateralism, dialogue, negotiation, reconciliation, and agreements. In this context, he referred to the European Union model as a political project and historical process of peace and prosperity.
Answering audience questions, Kurti also spoke about strengthening Kosovo’s statehood, the three latest recognitions this year, and the country’s aspirations for EU and NATO integration, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation.
