Kurti ) Ambassador Whitaker: Serbia is buying weapons from Russia, China, NATO, US presence in strategic Kosovo

During the meeting, Kurti thanked Ambassador Whitaker “for the vital, consistent and steadfast support of the United States of America to the Republic of Kosovo”, the ZKM reports.

Speaking of the security situation in the Western Balkans, “the prime minister said it remains fragile because Serbia, backed by Russia and China, continues to pursue regional hegemonist politics”.

“He also spoke of arming the northern neighbour, with emphasis on recent purchases from Russia and China, as threats to long-term regional stability and good neighbourly stability in the Balkans. In this context, the prime minister cited Serbia's operational front bases around the border with the Republic of Kosovo”, the ZKM reports.

According to ZKM, Kurti at the meeting spoke of close co-operation and partnership with the US, including training and education of members of the Kosovo Security Force, as well as increased defence capacities.

He stressed that Kosovo, in close co-operation with the United States of America, is committed to stability, peace and security in the region and, more broadly,”, the report said.

“Prime Minister Kurti praised that NATO's presence in the Republic of Kosovo, and separately that of the United States, remains strategic for peace and security, not only in the country but also in the region. He stressed that accelerating Kosovo's NATO membership would be a significant contribution and would serve as a long-term guarantor for peace and security in the Balkans”, notes among other things.