After the official reception ceremony, President Osmani and Governor Reynolds held a joint meeting.
Meanwhile, after the meeting, President Osmani and Governor Reynolds signed the agreement on the relationship of sister states and cooperation between the Republic of Kosovo and the State of Iowa (United States).
After signing the agreement, President Osmani and Governor Reynolds spoke to the media.
President Osmani first expressed her heartfelt thanks for all the work done by the United States of America for the release of the three police officers of the Republic of Kosovo.
“Before I continue, let me first express my heartfelt gratitude for all the work that the United States of America has done for the release of the three police officers of the Republic of Kosovo, who were being held hostage after the act of aggression that Serbia committed to the Republic of Kosovo, and now they are free and are returning to the Republic of Kosovo and to their families”, said President Osmani.
President Osmani once again expressed her condolences to the families and friends of the citizens who lost their lives as a result of the floods in Peja.
“As you know, the Kosovo Security Force and other emergency institutions immediately offered their unreserved assistance and support. In these tragic moments for the citizens of Peja, support and assistance must continue, so that the municipality of Peja and its citizens can cope with this serious situation and recover from this tragic event that has shocked all the people of Kosovo”, President Osmani stressed.
President Osmani announced that in the meeting with Governor Reynolds, they discussed the bilateral relations over the years, and the areas in which they will work to further deepen our cooperation and partnership, which is growing every day.
Today, with the signing of the Agreement between the Republic of Kosovo and the State of Iowa, the President said that we proved once again our commitment to open new chapters of bilateral cooperation.
“This agreement will play a vital role in the development of cooperation in various fields of mutual interest, including education, culture, tourism, agriculture and trade, and the field of energy, and will create instruments for increased coordination between our two countries in the field of defence as well, a cooperation that has been essential between the Kosovo Security Force and the Iowa National Guard. But above all, the agreement signed today will pave the way for direct rapprochement and direct benefits for our citizens”, the President emphasized.
President Osmani further said that, for the Republic of Kosovo, the alliance with the United States continues to remain existential, “Our citizens are the most pro-American people in the world, therefore, as I expressed to Governor Reynolds earlier, in Kosovo you will always find dedicated friends and partners”.
The President emphasized that the bilateral relations between Kosovo and the United States are rooted in common values and in our commitment to democracy, rule of law, as well as peace, security and lasting stability in the country and region.
“The determination of our American allies for the cause of Kosovo has been indispensable in our journey towards freedom, independence and state building and today, in our daily efforts for economic growth as well as for membership in the Euro-Atlantic institutions. Therefore, we consider the international strengthening of the Republic, as well as the fulfilment of our state priority, which is NATO and EU membership, possible only with the support of and together with strategic ally forces, such as our partners in the United States of America. In this regard, the Iowa State Partnership Program continues to be extremely important in developing and increasing the capacities of our Security Force, in accordance with our state objectives and aspirations for NATO membership,” the President emphasized.
The President said that we are deeply grateful for the hundreds of men and women of the Iowa National Guard, who have served in Kosovo throughout the years as members of KFOR.
President Osmani and Governor Reynolds also discussed the latest developments in the field of security and overcoming the challenges facing our country and region.
“As always, Kosovo is fully committed to long-term peace and stability in the country and the region in full coordination with our allies,” the President asserted.
In the end, President Osmani thanked Governor Reynolds for her visit to the Republic of Kosovo and for her unwavering support to the people of Kosovo and our country.