Balkan countries call on Washington for support in the face of the threat from Russia, China and Iran

2025-02-05 21:30:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Balkan countries call on Washington for support in the face of the threat from

Members of the US Congress, as well as members of parliament from European and Western Balkan countries, on Wednesday expressed the need for solidarity among democracies in the face of regimes that undermine global order, such as Russia, China and Iran. They spoke at an annual Congressional Security Forum and expressed the need for cooperation with the new administration of President Donald Trump amid major global challenges.

Republican Congressman Pete Sessions, one of the organizers of the discussion, told Voice of America that it is in the United States' interest for the Western Balkan countries to be successful and independent, especially from Russian influence.

"We think it's important for our friends, America's friends, to stand together. Members of Congress are an important part of sending a signal of the importance of the region to the stability of the European continent, but also to the interests of the United States," Mr. Sessions said.

Mr. Sessions said that lawmakers like himself will convey this message to the new administration and the new Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, as well as that of the danger of disinformation from Moscow and Beijing.

"The Secretary (Rubio) needs to make sure that this is a priority of the new administration. Donald Trump's goal is for everyone to have a better future not only from an economic point of view, but to see America as their friend," he said.

Former Albanian Defense Minister Fatmir Mediu, who organized the meeting along with Congressman Sessions and his Republican colleague Robert B. Aderholt, told Voice of America that disinformation is only one element of risk.

"We have a group of actors who want to shift geopolitics, particularly China, Russia and Iran, but also other countries, and in the face of this, I think that communication channels need to be built between Europe and the United States of America."

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani stressed the importance of the United States' continued support for her country and the region in general, which she said is in a fragile state.

"Now that President Trump has returned to the White House, with his formula of peace through strength, it is important that America shows real leadership not only towards true friends but also towards those who are bringing Russia, China and Iran closer to our region."

President Osmani was referring to Serbia. Balkan analyst Edward Joseph also warned about Belgrade's role, calling on President Trump to distinguish between true friends and false ones, as he put it.

"Look out for American interests. And don't be fooled by someone who says they admire you and have a great relationship with you. But behind your back, they're actually building closer ties with China and advancing the Russian and Serbian agenda."

Mr. Joseph also drew attention to the position of the Kosovo government.

"Prime Minister Kurti has a responsibility to have open and trusting relations with the United States. He has not done that. And he has a responsibility to show the Kosovo Serbs that they are full citizens and a full future in the Republic of Kosovo. And he has absolutely not done that."

Serbia's representative, Vladimir Marinkovic, the country's former parliament speaker, rejected the accusations against his country and said that Belgrade is ready for cooperation with the Trump administration.

The majority member of the Albanian Parliament, Damian Gjiknuri, expressed his country's readiness to cooperate with the new American administration and the need to strengthen democracy.

"We emphasized that a strong America, as President Trump has said, 'America First', I think will also be a strong alliance, because we cannot control events, but the alliance will be able to react to events much better. Of course, Albania is a worthy and active member of NATO, it will do its part for peace and security. But the message that I gave and that came out clearly from this table is the strengthening of democracies. If we have democracy and strong institutions, we will also have a healthier democratic family," he told Voice of America.

In the face of major global challenges in the world, Forum participants emphasized the need for coordination at all levels between their countries, as well as the strengthening of major Western alliances. /CNA