Washington, September 29 – The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi, was received today at the White House by the Vice-President of the United States of America, Michael Pence.
President Thaçi expressed the gratitude of the people of Kosovo for the partnership and the permanent friendship with the United States of America.
“We have made the journey to freedom, independence and state-building jointly with the USA. We are now in the process of implementing the aspiration for Kosovo’s membership into the EU and NATO, and again the American leadership is irreplaceable”, said President Thaçi.
The President emphasized that Kosovo, through the strengthening of the international subjectivity and internal reforms, has turned into a factor of peace and stability in the region and beyond.
He informed Vice President Pence on the transformation process of the KSF into the Kosovo army. According to President Thaçi, this will be done in full coordination with the USA, other strategic partners and NATO.
“We are working to have a comprehensive process and a full consensus on the transforming of the KSF”, he added.
The President reiterated that the Army of Kosovo will be a multiethnic force and in service of all citizens.
In this meeting there was discussed with special emphasis also about the last phase of the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. In this case, President Thaçi has requested for US involvement in this process.
“The direct involvement of the USA in this final phase is decisive for reaching a final agreement, applicable to both sides”, the President said, adding that this is the only way to strengthen long-term peace in the region.
President Thaçi has also pledged that Kosovo will continue the uncompromising war against terrorism, working closely with the USA and other partners.
During the day, President Thaçi put flower wreaths at the US Military Cemetery Complex in Arlington.
He emphasized that returning to this place is always an emotional moment and a moment of reflection.
“Hundreds of thousands of killed American soldiers, with their sacrifice, have redefined their love for freedom, for the homeland, and have turned it into an inspiration for the world”, he added.
According to the President, the people of Kosovo fought and sacrificed for the same values, so Kosovo will never forget the sacrifice of the American soldiers in the liberation of Kosovo and in securing peace in the world.