The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Justina Shiroka Pula, received United States Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Dick Durbin today.
During the meeting, the President highlighted that the Republic of Kosovo highly appreciates the bipartisan and continued support of the United States of America, Kosovo’s strategic ally and indispensable partner.
In this context, the President emphasized the need for the immediate resumption of the Strategic Dialogue as an essential instrument for deepening the strategic partnership and advancing shared priorities.
The President underlined that the Republic of Kosovo’s primary objective remains membership in NATO.
“The support of the United States is crucial on this journey. Kosovo’s membership in NATO would mean greater security and stability not only for our country, but for the entire region”, President Shiroka Pula stated.
She thanked Senator Shaheen for her continued commitment and contribution to Kosovo. In particular, her position in support of the extension of the American military presence within KFOR was welcomed. The letter sent to Secretary of State Marco Rubio was described as a highly significant initiative, while emphasizing that this presence is of exceptional strategic importance for Kosovo’s security and for preventing tensions in the region.
The President also recalled Senator Shaheen’s resolute response following Serbia’s aggression of 24 September 2023 in Banjska, in which Sergeant Afrim Bunjaku was killed, as well as her call for the perpetrators to be held accountable.
As a token of appreciation, President Shiroka Pula awarded Senator Jeanne Shaheen the Presidential Medal of Merit for her continued support for the Republic of Kosovo and her contribution to strengthening security, preserving peace and promoting stability in the region.
This is the first decoration awarded by President Shiroka Pula since she assumed office.
