British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening its partnership and friendship with Kosovo in a letter addressed to Kosovo’s acting Prime Minister, Albin Kurti.
Burnham said the UK and Kosovo share a close and enduring partnership built on their common history.
He said he was proud that Britain had stood alongside the people of Kosovo from the beginning of NATO’s intervention in 1999 and had been the first country to recognize Kosovo’s independence.
“There is no clearer evidence of our commitment than the continued deployment of British forces as part of KFOR, helping to maintain peace and stability,” Burnham wrote.
The British prime minister also reaffirmed London’s support for Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations, including its integration into international institutions and its path toward NATO membership.
“The United Kingdom will remain a strong supporter of Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations and will continue to work to advance Kosovo’s integration into international institutions, including providing continued support for its application for membership of the Council of Europe and further progress on its path toward NATO,” he wrote.
Burnham also expressed hope that a new government in Kosovo would be formed soon, allowing the two countries to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
“I hope that a new government of Kosovo will be formed soon, so that we can deepen cooperation between our two countries on shared priorities, including defense and security, trade and investment, tackling irregular migration and strengthening economic ties,” he said.
He described the UK as a close friend of Kosovo and reiterated Britain’s commitment to the security and prosperity of the Western Balkans.
“The United Kingdom remains firmly committed to the security and prosperity of the Western Balkans. We will continue to work closely with Kosovo in support of a more sustainable, connected and prosperous future for the region,” Burnham wrote.
The letter concluded with Burnham expressing his desire to work closely with Kurti to further strengthen the friendship and partnership between the two countries.
Full letter
Dear Prime Minister,
Thank you for your letter following my appointment as Prime Minister. I am grateful for your kind words and congratulations.
The United Kingdom and Kosovo share a close and enduring partnership, built through our common history. I am proud that the United Kingdom stood alongside the people of Kosovo from the beginning of NATO’s intervention in 1999 and that we were the first country to recognize Kosovo’s independence. There is no clearer evidence of our commitment than the continued deployment of British forces as part of KFOR, helping to maintain peace and stability.
The United Kingdom will remain a strong supporter of Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations and will continue to work to advance Kosovo’s integration into international institutions, including providing continued support for its application for membership of the Council of Europe and further progress on its path toward NATO.
I hope that a new government of Kosovo will be formed soon, so that we can deepen cooperation between our two countries on shared priorities, including defense and security, trade and investment, tackling irregular migration and strengthening economic ties.
As a close friend of Kosovo, the United Kingdom remains firmly committed to the security and prosperity of the Western Balkans. We will continue to work closely with Kosovo in support of a more sustainable, connected and prosperous future for the region.
Thank you again for your letter. I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen the friendship and partnership between our two countries.
