Rama: U.S. launches strategic dialogue with Serbia while delivering the opposite message to Kosovo; Kurti owes the public an explanation

Pristina Mayor Përparim Rama has assessed that relations between Kosovo and the United States have reached their lowest point, stating that caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti has an obligation to provide citizens with a clear explanation of the current state of those relations. He noted that while Serbia has launched a strategic dialogue with the United States, Washington's message to Kosovo has been entirely the opposite.

According to Rama, the United States has, in recent days, clearly articulated its priorities regarding its relations with Serbia and Kosovo.

“A Strategic Dialogue has been launched with Serbia, representing the highest level of bilateral cooperation. The agenda includes agreements on energy and energy security, infrastructure investment, the development of 5G networks, cooperation in the fields of defense and the defense industry, education, science, technology, and long-term joint projects,” Rama wrote in a Facebook post.

He added that the U.S. message to Kosovo has been completely different, noting that the U.S. Department of State has announced that the Strategic Dialogue with Kosovo remains suspended.

Rama also referred to remarks by former U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo Jeffrey Hovenier, who warned that Kosovo's reputation in Washington had been seriously damaged and that the future government would have to address U.S. priorities, including energy diversification projects.

“These are the official positions of the Republic of Kosovo's most important ally and, as such, they are deeply concerning for the future of Kosovo and its citizens,” Rama stated.

In his view, Albin Kurti, as caretaker prime minister, has an obligation to provide citizens with a clear explanation.

“How is it possible that relations with the United States have deteriorated to the point where the strategic partnership has been suspended, trust has been undermined, and Washington is publicly speaking about the conditions Kosovo must fulfill? How is it possible that relations with the United States, our most important strategic ally, have fallen to the lowest level ever experienced between Kosovo and the United States?” Rama wrote.