Administrator Samantha Power began her second day in Kosovo with an engaging conversation with staff from U.S. Embassy Pristina. The Administrator thanked the Embassy team for their tireless work and commitment to supporting the people of Kosovo, and recognized the significant progress achieved in Kosovo over the past two decades in part as a result of the strong U.S.-Kosovo partnership.
Administrator Power then went for a hike with a group of young Kosovan Serb and Kosovan Albanian leaders at Germia Park in Pristina. The Administrator heard about their aspirations for Kosovo’s future and the importance of normalcy, peace, and prosperity for their communities. They discussed the urgency of advancing community-level reconciliation efforts and the need for political leaders to focus on making progress for the next generations of Kosovans.
The Administrator met with Prime Minister Albin Kurti, and discussed recent developments related to Kosovo’s normalization of relations with Serbia. She affirmed the U.S. commitment to the full implementation of the commitments that Kosovo and Serbia have already made within the framework of the EU-facilitated Dialogue. She highlighted the importance of both Kosovo and Serbia implementing the agreement they reached in Ohrid with urgency. She noted that the U.S. supports Kosovo taking concrete steps to establish the Association of Serb-majority Municipalities. Administrator Power also emphasized the importance of good governance and rule of law for all citizens, and reiterated USAID’s commitment to advancing a more prosperous, democratic, and resilient Kosovo.
The Administrator joined Prime Minister Kurti and Minister of Economy Artane Rizvanolli to launch Kosovo’s first ever solar energy auction. The event marks an important milestone as Kosovo moves towards its ambitious decarbonization targets, which were developed in part, through support from USAID.
Administrator Power then visited the Gracanica Monastery, a Serbian Orthodox monastery and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Administrator concluded the day meeting with advocates for the Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities in Kosovo to better understand their challenges and learn about their advocacy efforts. During the meeting, Administrator Power acknowledged that for Kosovo to take its rightful place as a sovereign, independent state in European and Euro-Atlantic institutions, Kosovo must ensure institutions support all citizens and foster inclusive economic growth.
Administrator Power Travels to Serbia and Kosovo - May 2023
