Prattipati on 249th anniversary of independence: We understand the journey of Kosovo.

That comment, she said during the organised ceremony in honour of the 249th anniversary of US Independence in Pristina.

Before numerous attendees, the American diplomat said she did not expect to be in charge of this anniversary, but said Kosovo is an extraordinary place for her to serve.

“This community is wonderful to be part of it”, Prattipati said, Periscopi reports.

Among other things, loaded with work at the American Embassy in Pristina, said that a few weeks ago, celebrations began to mark the US Army's 250th anniversary.

This year, this same American Army was trained side by side with the Kosovo Security Force atDefender 25л, the largest exercise of the American Army in Europe, with Kosovo as a host country. It's more than symbolic of our friendship, it's more than that. It's really significant. It's evidence of our partnership force in the field of security. Together we are safer and stronger”, the American diplomat said.

Read the complete word of Wednesday (July 1, 2025) by working Annu Prattipati on the official reception

President Osmani, incumbent Prime Minister Kurti, members of the diplomatic choir, friends and colleagues.

Good evening. I have the honor and privilege of welcoming you to the celebration of the 249th anniversary of the Day of Independence of the United States of America.

First, let me thank all our extraordinary volunteers, sponsors and our Embassy team who helped enable this event.

Especially allow me to say thank you for being here with us tonight.

I've had the chance to celebrate July 4th in many different countries, but I can't imagine any better place to mark this day than here with you, in the most pro-American country in the world.

This is the first time I have celebrated the US Independence Day in Kosovo. When I arrived last summer as Mission Deputy Chief, I certainly didn't expect to serve as a full-time employee for this holiday and it is an honor to serve in that role.

What an outstanding place to serve. This community is great to be part of.

We gathered tonight to remember the moment of 1776 when the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

They dedicated their lives, wealth, and sacred honor to the revolutionary belief that all humans are created equal and that governments receive legitimacy from the consent of the governed.

In this 249th year, we also write that we are approaching a grand historical anniversary -- the 250th anniversary of America.

During this 250th year, we look forward to a series of important American anniversarys with you.

A few weeks ago, we started these celebrations by marking the 250th anniversary of the American Army's oldest branch of our military forces, which was on the first line of war for independence.

This year, the same American Army was trained side by side with the Kosovo Security Force in „Defender 25”, which is the largest exercise of the American Army in Europe with Kosovo as a host country.

It's more than symbolic of our friendship, it's more than that. It's really significant.

It's evidence of our partnership force in the field of security. Together we are safer and stronger.

Also, we are safer and stronger thanks to Kosovo's steadfast dedication and compliance with American policy priorities. Thank you for your faith.

We've worked together to ensure that Americans and Kosovars are safe from cybercriminals, we've raised our voices against anti-Semitism and, recently, we've been united in our determination to prevent malicious actors from buying nuclear weapons.

Kosovo has also been among the strongest supporters of the United States in our efforts to protect our border.

We are friends and partners in efforts not to our countries but also the region, to be stronger, safer, and more prosperous.

In economic terms, we are seeing tangible increases in our commercial relationships.

Just last month, we saw some new American businesses opening the doors right here in Kosovo. Some of them are here with us tonight.

These are important moments in deepening our economic relations.

Let me for a moment stop to reflect on what this partnership means.

For us, it's not just about what the United States does for itself. It's about the fact that America's power helps to empower even its partners.

Because a more prosperous America will exalt others from increased economic relations to security co-operation that strengthens regional stability. Kosovo is a clear example of this partnership that brings results.

And we understand Kosovo's journey. Your story looks like ours.

We've gone this way before and we keep walking with you.

So as we approach the 250th anniversary of America next year, let's honor the achievements we're making together right now.

Our common experiences, our joint work, and our common future make me proud to serve here.

Thank you for celebrating with us tonight. Thank you for your friendship and commitment to the partnership between the United States of America and Kosovo.

Happy Independence Day.

American Embassy chief calls Kosovo “The most pro-American place in the world”