Erin Elizabeth McKee, Assistant Administrator at USAID’s Bureau for Europe and Eurasia, has spoken about the cooperation between the United States and the Government of Kosovo to date.
Regarding concerns raised by U.S. officials about the partnership between the U.S. and Kosovo under the Kurti government, McKee said that every relationship has its ups and downs, but the partnership with the people of Kosovo has remained steadfast and unshaken, as reported by Express.
“However, I also think that from what I’ve seen during this trip, you are overcoming existing obstacles and identifying a common foundation, common goals that you have worked on and continue to work towards, through different Kosovo governments and U.S. administrations. I believe that, as you have seen during our work, our partnership, especially with the people of Kosovo, has remained strong and unwavering,” she stated.
When asked if there had been instances when USAID had to temporarily suspend its cooperation with the Kurti government, McKee responded, “We have never stopped our work, and we do not intend to do so.”
“I believe that, as you’ve seen during our work, our partnership, especially with the people of Kosovo, has remained strong and unwavering. Politics can sometimes cast a shadow over the good work we do, the work that the American people want to do with the people of Kosovo. And I think, as you’ve seen, our presence, our programs, and our work have remained unchanged,” McKee said in an interview with Radio Free Europe.
She also spoke about expectations for the upcoming government, emphasizing that USAID is not concerned with who wins the elections, but with ensuring they are free, fair, and transparent.
“Therefore, it is the citizens of Kosovo who will choose their leaders, while our partnership will ensure that their voices are heard, their votes counted, and that, regardless of who wins the elections, the democratic process remains free and fair. This is the way to ensure trust in democracy, no matter who wins,” she declared.
McKee, who is visiting Kosovo on the occasion of USAID’s 25th anniversary of operations in Pristina, highlighted that USAID’s future priorities will focus on assisting Kosovo on its Euro-Atlantic path, transitioning to greener and renewable energy, and capitalizing on economic opportunities.
