Donald Trump congratulates Kosovo on its 18th anniversary of independence

2026-02-16 10:55:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

US President Donald Trump has congratulated Kosovo on its 18th anniversary of statehood and reaffirmed the United States' unwavering support for Kosovo's sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Presidency of Kosovo has announced.

In the letter sent by Trump, Kosovo was congratulated for participating in the establishment of the Peace Board, as well as for this country's support for US efforts to solve global problems in Ukraine, Gaza, and other countries.

"As the relationship between our two countries continues to grow, we look forward to expanding our partnership through trade and investment cooperation. The United States stands ready to work with Kosovo to advance peace and stability for the common good ," the letter said.

The United States has allocated over $2 billion to Kosovo since 1998. Kosovo leaders have reiterated over the years that America is Kosovo's most important partner and that its support is vital.

Along these lines, Kosovo has recently joined Trump's initiative, the Peace Board, through which the US aims to end conflicts in the world.

However, relations between Kosovo and the US have been tense at times, due to some actions of the previous government of Prime Minister Albin Kurti that dealt with the Serbian minority and were seen by American officials as unilateral and uncoordinated.

As a result, the US suspended the Strategic Dialogue with Kosovo last year, before it even started.

But the US Embassy in Pristina has told Radio Free Europe in recent weeks that the US is ready to restart this process with Kosovo and work with Kurti, who last week began his third term as prime minister.

The US was among the first countries to recognize Kosovo's independence, declared on February 17, 2008. Its statehood is recognized by 121 countries, but the non-recognition by four NATO countries and five European Union countries, two bodies in which Kosovo aims to join, remains a challenge. /REL