PRISHTINA, Jan 13 /ATA/ – The United States is ready to strengthen its partnership with Kosovo’s next government and resume the strategic dialogue between the two countries, the U.S. Embassy in Prishtina said on Tuesday.
However, in a response to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the Embassy said progress would require steps by Kosovo’s government that “advance the shared agenda for peace and regional stability” as well as “mutual economic prosperity.”
The comments were made in response to questions on how Washington plans to work with Kosovo’s next government, expected to be formed after the December 28 snap parliamentary election.
Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s Self-Determination Movement (Vetëvendosje) won more than 51% of the vote. The party has said it aims to swiftly form new institutions.
Vote counting concluded on January 9, but the electoral process has not yet been formally completed due to legal deadlines for complaints and certification of results.
Kurti and Vetëvendosje also led Kosovo’s government during the 2021–2025 period. Much of the past year was marked by a caretaker government after Kurti, despite winning the Feb. 9, 2025 election, failed to form a new cabinet, leading to the dissolution of parliament and early elections.
During his previous term, Kurti’s government frequently faced criticism from international partners, particularly over actions described as uncoordinated and unilateral. These included the closure of most Serbian-run institutions in Kosovo and the removal of the Serbian dinar from circulation, moves seen as harmful to the Serb community and as raising tensions in the north.
The criticism at times fuelled speculation about strained relations between Kosovo and the United States.
Kurti has repeatedly insisted that the United States remains Kosovo’s main partner, while acknowledging differences in approach on certain issues.
Last year, Washington took one of its toughest measures against Kosovo by suspending the strategic dialogue between the two countries, a mechanism designed to deepen bilateral ties.
The United States linked the decision to actions by Kosovo’s caretaker government amid institutional deadlock and rising tensions, a position rejected by the Kosovo government.
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