The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, met today with the CIA Director, William Burns.

In a government communiqué, it was stated that this visit represents an important historical moment in Kosovo-U.S. bilateral relations, emphasizing the commitment of the Government and the security and intelligence institutions of Kosovo, led by the Kosovo Intelligence Agency (AKI), to enhance cooperation with the CIA.

“The historic visit of CIA Director William Burns to Kosovo is highly appreciated by the Government of the Republic of Kosovo. It is an evidence of the strong and enduring relations between the two states and presents a golden opportunity to deepen strategic cooperation for peace and security in the region and beyond,” the communiqué underlines.

Prime Minister Albin Kurti thanked the CIA Director for the continuous support and expressed commitment to deepening cooperation in areas of mutual interest, informing him that American values related to democracy, the rule of law, and unwavering Euro-Atlantic orientations will remain central pillars of good and democratic governance in Kosovo.

“Prime Minister Kurti briefed Director Burns on Kosovo’s economic growth and development, as well as social and democratic progress, emphasizing that all internal security challenges are being successfully managed with the rule of law in our democratic state. In the past three years, he added, Kosovo’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has grown by 33%, while the state budget has increased by 35%, with 11.1% (or 1/9) of the annual budget allocated to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Defense,” the communiqué further reads.

/k.s/