Kosovo’s acting Minister of Defense, Ejup Maqedonci, spoke about the military cooperation between Kosovo and the United States.
He provided details on the first framework defense agreement between Kosovo and the US and discussed his recent visits to the United States.
Maqedonci explained the benefits Kosovo gains from signing bilateral agreements that, according to him, deepen and expand cooperation between the two countries in the fields of defense and security.
“We have deepened and expanded relations with the US, especially in defense and security sectors. Since I took office two years ago, I have made three visits to the US Department of Defense. During the latest visit, together with the Deputy Secretary of Defense, we agreed on the path of cooperation between our countries in the defense field. Specifically, we agreed on several focal points where we will work jointly on their implementation, so Kosovo can become self-sufficient in defense and develop capacities to protect its territory and citizens in the future,” he told Euronews Albania.
“We have agreements for joint trainings and exercises, as well as participation in missions abroad, such as the one in Kuwait. Additionally, we have two specific points: the defense industry and increased cooperation on preparing society to respond and support security institutions in maintaining resilience during wartime. We will establish a state military factory; recently, we had a meeting in Prishtina to synchronize American military investors with our companies. Besides the public sector, we are also collaborating with the American private military sector, which is a priority for the Prime Minister and for me personally, aiming to focus this industry not only domestically but also for export,” Maqedonci said.
He added that cooperation with allies is strong, with a NATO advisory team led by a German general supporting the Ministry and Kosovo Security Force in achieving goals and advancing NATO integration.
“Of course, the US has troops stationed in Kosovo, outside the KFOR mandate, intended for bilateral cooperation and training support. The US military also supports us with donations; we have built one of the best small arms shooting ranges costing 2 million euros. Additionally, we received a contingent of armored vehicles purchased at a symbolic price,” the minister said.
Regarding progress toward NATO membership, Maqedonci stated, “We are making efforts for full NATO membership. Kosovo has built military capacities from scratch, and NATO has supported the creation of these capacities.”
When asked by the moderator about a fixed date for Kosovo’s NATO accession, he responded, “There is a diplomatic issue because four countries have not yet recognized Kosovo. We hope these countries will soon acknowledge that the state of Kosovo is a reality, and that the Kosovo Army is a professional force ready to contribute alongside their armies worldwide for peace and security.”
