Washington, 21 June 2008
The full statement by US President George W. Bush following the meeting with the Prime Minister of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo Hashim Thaçi and the President of the Republic of Kosovo Fatmir Sejdiu.
US PRESIDENTI BUSH: I am proud of you and I am a strong supporter of Kosovo’s independence.
I had the honor to receive the President and the Prime Minister of Kosovo. Welcome, I am proud of you and I am a strong supporter of the independence of Kosovo. I am against any division of Kosovo. I strongly believe that the United Nations mission should be transferred to the European Union as soon as possible.
I want to thank you for your support to minorities, and also for supporting the full implementation of the Ahtisaari Plan.
We discussed a wide range of issues, we discussed about the problems Kosovo is facing and its wish to be recognized by more states in the world. I promised that the US will continue to work with those states that have not yet recognized Kosovo to convince them that they do so as soon as possible.
We also talked about economic issues, education, and talked about the trans-Atlantic aspirations of Kosovo and Serbia.
I recalled to both leaders that they were sitting under the portrait of George Washington, the founder of the United States in freedom. I acknowledge your courage, your leading role and also express the engagement of the United States in supporting the accomplishment of your dreams.
Full statement by the Prime Minister of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo Hashim Thaçi following the meeting with US President, George W. Bush.
PRIME MINISTER THAÇI: Pro-Americanism in Kosovo - a value for the US, for the cradle of world civilization
Today’s meeting with President Bush is not only a strengthening of our relations between Kosovo and the US, but is an eternal bond between the people of Kosovo and the people of America.
We have always had trust in the US and this pro-Americanism in Kosovo is a value for the US, for the cradle of world civilization.
The institutions and the people of Kosovo will eternally bow before you showing the greatest respect for you, Mr. President, for the US and the American people.
Kosovo is a joint success story. We are building Kosovo as a democratic country, a country of opportunities, with affirmative action for the minorities. We will develop Kosovo economically; we will build excellent relations with all the neighbors, and in the democratic future also with Serbia.
Our goal as an independent, sovereign and democratic state is to become part of NATO and the European Union and have excellent and eternal relations with the US. This is our pledge, our responsibility and our vision.