Kosovo and U.S. to finalize strategic dialogue
Photo: U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma and Kosovo's President Vjosa Osmani.
Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani has confirmed that Kosovo and the United States are set to finalize a Strategic Dialogue agreement. The announcement followed her meeting with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma, who is on a tour of the Balkans.
Why is this important: The development underscores the strength of the partnership between Kosovo and the United States, despite a visible chill that has set in relations between the two countries in recent years. For Kosovo, the Strategic Dialogue represents a significant step toward enhancing its international standing and securing American support across critical areas. The Strategic Dialogue is expected to address several key areas to strengthen Kosovo-U.S. relations and improve opportunities for Kosovo’s citizens.
What was said: According to Osmani, the progress results from proposals she submitted to the U.S. Administration starting in 2021. “This is an extraordinary achievement that demonstrates that genuine partnerships, based on shared values and interests, always yield results,” Osmani stated, adding that teams from both sides will soon meet to finalize the agreement.
Go deeper
SPAK clears PM’s brother, Olsi Rama of Xibraka case allegations
Published on January 10, 2025
Why is this important: The information discredits one of the opposition’s most significant and vocal accusations, led by Democratic Party parliamentary leader Gazment Bardhi. For years, Bardhi and former Prime Minister Sali Berisha have publicly accused Olsi Rama in involvement in the Xibraka case although they never explained what evidence there was for these claims and never formally filed an accusation with SPAK. However, DP tried hard to exploit these allegations for political ends portraying the alleged involvement of the Prime Minister’s brother with a cocaine trafficking gang as symbolic of broader government corruption and cooperation with the underworld. In this the opposition was helped by the fact that for years SPAK remained silent on the issue, despite the Prime Minister repeatedly urging it to clarify the matter, emphasizing the need for truth. The announcement follows another recent denial of a high-profile accusation from Berisha, this time against Pandeli Majko.
Albanian Government approves regulations for medical cannabis cultivation
Published on January 10, 2025
Why is this important: The regulatory framework marks a significant step in Albania’s efforts to establish a legal and tightly controlled medical cannabis industry. The goal is to attract investment while ensuring compliance with international standards for cultivation, security, and monitoring.
Albanian Government approves legislation to boost development of mountainous areas
Published on January 10, 2025
Why is this important: The legislation aims to revitalize mountainous regions that have lagged economically compared to urban and coastal areas. It introduces tax and fiscal incentives for up to 500 beneficiaries who meet the law’s requirements, helping to attract investments, create jobs, and formalize land ownership for long-term users of these properties.