Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti, who is seeking a second term, has responded for the first time to criticism from Richard Grenell, the U.S. Special Envoy for Missions, who recently labeled the Vetëvendosje leader as an unreliable partner for Washington.

In an interview with Kosovar media, Kurti rejected Grenell’s remarks, stating that Kosovo’s relationship with the U.S. is currently at its best level since its inception. He also positioned himself as an activist rather than an analyst, suggesting that Grenell’s comments were media interpretations rather than direct citations.

While acknowledging that the U.S. has expressed concerns and criticism, Kurti emphasized that such feedback is constructive and helps Kosovo move forward. He further asserted that under his leadership, Kosovo’s ties with the U.S. have strengthened not only diplomatically but also in the areas of security and energy.

On February 3, just five days before the elections in Kosovo, Richard Grenell sharply criticized Albin Kurti. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Grenell stated:

“The Kurti government was unreliable during Trump’s first term, and it has also been unreliable during Biden’s term.”

Additionally, Grenell claimed that American companies are expanding in Albania and Serbia but not in Kosovo, and he blamed Kurti for this lack of investment.