U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated the people of Kosovo on the 16th anniversary of independence, appreciating “our enduring partnership”.
According to him, the partnership between the United States and Kosovo is based on mutual understanding, shared values, and friendship between the two peoples.
“As you continue to make progress towards strengthening democratic institutions and promoting the rule of law, we will continue to support a multi-ethnic Kosovo,” Blinken said.
The U.S. top diplomat reiterated the position expressed a day earlier by President Joe Biden regarding the dialogue for the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia.
“The U.S. encourages Kosovo to uphold its commitments and to move forward through the dialogue facilitated by the European Union to reach a comprehensive normalization agreement with Serbia, towards eventual mutual recognition,” Blinken said in a statement released.
Kosovo and Serbia have been engaged in dialogue for the normalization of relations, facilitated by the EU, since 2011. The U.S. supports this process but is not part of it.
Over the years, the parties have reached several agreements, but not all have been implemented. One of the agreements that the international community strongly urges Kosovo to implement is the establishment of the Association of Serb-majority Municipalities. The Government of Kosovo has expressed concern that such a mono-ethnic association could undermine the functionality of the state of Kosovo.
Last year, the parties reached an agreement on the path to normalization and also agreed on its implementation annex.
The normalization agreement with 11 articles, provides for a level of self-governance for the Serbian community in Kosovo and mutual recognition of state symbols, while also requiring Pristina and Belgrade to implement all previous agreements reached during the dialogue.
The EU has stated that the agreement, which is not signed but is binding on the parties, has not yet begun to be implemented.
Blinken also said that the United States believes that Kosovo’s future lies in European and Euro-Atlantic institutions.
“We look forward to deepening our partnership by strengthening democracy and creating conditions for Kosovo and its citizens to thrive in a safer and more sustainable world,” said the U.S. top diplomat.
Kosovo declared independence on February 17, 2008.
Earlier in the day, at ceremonies marking the 16th anniversary of independence, Kosovo’s state leaders thanked allies and international partners who helped liberate Kosovo and declare independence.
