Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma is expected to travel to Albania, Kosovo and Serbia on January 7-11.

In Tirana, he will discuss Albania’s democratic progress, defense capabilities and deepening economic ties with the United States, and thank the Government of Albania for its continued support to our Afghan allies.

In Kosovo, Verma is expected to discuss the normalization of Kosovo’s relations with Serbia through the Dialogue facilitated by the EU, the strengthening of governance and the rule of law, and the promotion of economic growth and energy security for the benefit of all Kosovars He will also thank the Government of Kosovo for the strong support of Ukraine and for its assistance to Afghans in need.

In Serbia, Deputy Secretary Verma will highlight the growing US-Serbia strategic partnership on energy and other economic issues. He will provide support for the integration of Serbia in European institutions, the normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo, strengthening the rule of law and closer bilateral cooperation on military and security issues.

It will also reaffirm the United States’ commitment to the countries of the Western Balkans as they pursue Euro-Atlantic integration and deeper regional cooperation.