Meheji informs Escobar of security strategy

The partnership between Kosovo and the United States is increasingly powerful since it is based on the common values of both countries, is said during a meeting Kosovo Defence Minister Amend Mehaj has had with Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia, simultaneously the envoy for the Western Balkans, Gabriel Escobar.

Through a Kosovo Defence Ministry report, Mehe and Escobar reportedly discussed the current and future potential security environment challenges as well as more effective forms of their management.

The two agreed that the completion of the Ministry of Defence and KSF, as well as the vision for the future, are in full operation of peace, security, stability and regional prosperity, and beyond”, the statement said.

The senior American diplomat, according to the announcement, praised Kosovo for supporting the NATO mission in the evacuation of refugees from Afghanistan, and stressed that the KSF has scored significant achievements with co-operation with the US Army.

“Minister Mehaj announced Escobar with his strategic vision and goals, as well as government priorities in the field of security and defence, and received full support in implementing them”, the announcement added.

Minister Meheaj is staying in the United States, and during his visit, he has attended the <x0-> exhibition. AUSA 2021”, where he met the leaders of several American defense companies.

Kosovo has increased investments in the field of defence over the past period.

In June, the Government of Kosovo has reviewed the proposal to purchase fears from the United States for the needs of the Kosovo Security Force.

Mehaj has told the government cabinet that the purchase of four American drones takes place for the need to build capacity for intelligence, observation and discovery.

In 2018, through legal changes, the transformation of KSF's mandate into armed forces has begun.

This process is expected to last ten years.

Last year, Kosovo has accepted a container of armoured vehicles purchased by the United States of America for KSF.

The KSF's new responsibilities concern preserving sovereignty and territorial integrity, citizens, property and interests of the Republic of Kosovo, as well as military support for civil authorities and participation in international operations.

With the comprehensive transition plan, the number of KSF members is planned to reach 5,000 active members and 2 thousand and 500 reserves.