Prattipati: Options for co-operation in defence and energy are limitless

In the event, organised by this embassy for the 250th anniversary of American citizenship, Prattipati said her state is eager to increase its partnership with Kosovo, because, according to her, a stable, promotional Kosovo is not only good for its people, but also for Europe and the world.

According to the American diplomat, friendship between the US and Kosovo is based on common values, mutual respect and belief that the future is defined by opportunities and security.

“Kosova Kosova continues to develop and deepen its integration into the international community, opportunities for co-operation, separately in defence, trade, economic investment and energy are limitless. American businesses are looking for reliable partners, labour power and competitive markets. Kosovo will probably be all three things”, she said.

These statements by Prattipat come after that last week has called on the incumbent Kosovo Government to join regional natural gas initiatives (LNG), arguing it would help the country secure its energy future.

The incumbent government, led by Albin Kurti, has insisted that Kosovo is not against U.S. LNG, but he said he saw coal gasification as a better opportunity than the supply of LNG.

The American Economic Oda and the Economic Oda of Kosovo recently warned that refusing LNG regional projects risks having a negative impact on Kosovo's partnership with the US.

Several Western Balkan states have signed agreements with American and US companies to expand the gas network. Among them are Albania, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In the event, organised for the 250th anniversary of US independence, Prattipati already said Kosovo “has always been close to us, supporting our priorities”, while citing the country's involvement in the International Stabilisation Force and the American President Donald Trump's initiative to resolve conflicts in the world.

The US also stands near Kosovo. We stay with Kosovo in its efforts to build strong institutions, stay with Kosovo in building a promotional economy that attracts investors and provides opportunities for all citizens”, Prattipati said.

At this event, Kosovo President Albulen Haxhiu's task performance thanked the United States for assisting in liberation and statehood, praising the friendship between the two countries.

As for the International Stability Force for the Gaza Belt, Kosovo is among the first five states to pledge commitment on this mission and the country will send troops with the aim of providing security for ceasefire monitoring on Palestinian territory.

Kosovo considers the alliance as a centre with the US, a state that has contributed to its independence and statehood.

In addition to contributing to independence and statehood, the US has also supported the process of transforming the Kosovo Security Force into the military, while this force also supported equipment with American weapons.

In addition to the support the US has given for converting the KSF into the military, Washington contributes to the training and education of Kosovo soldiers.

Kosovo is also hosting the largest American base in the Balkans, Bondsteel. / REL