Prishtina, 16 July 2008
Statement by the Prime Minister of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi, before his departure for an official visit to the US where he is going to meet with the American President, George W. Bush.
This is the first visit of the highest state delegation of Kosovo to Washington at the invitation of President George Bush. It is the first visit following the liberation and the declaration of Kosovo’s independence. It is a historical visit of respect and acknowledgment of the success and progress achieved in Kosovo. At the same time, we will express our stances on the current process we are going through, on the commitments that we have made to the people to contribute to peace and stability in the region. At the same time, we will also express what we consider as our genuine concerns, and will ask for continuing support.
The role, importance and the contribution of the US, since the administration of Bush Senior, Clinton Administration, and also now during the administration of Bush Junior, have been crucial for the liberation, freedom and the progress made in building the independent, sovereign and democratic state of Kosovo. Therefore, the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo and the people of Kosovo will always be grateful to President Bush, US and the American people and this friendship will be special to us, and will be eternal.
Therefore, we will present there the will of our people, and also our vision on the future of Kosovo to be part of NATO, EU, and of course to have close, special and excellent relations with Washington.