World leaders congratulate Kosovo on its 17th anniversary of independence

US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, congratulated Kosovo on the 17th anniversary of its declaration of independence.

His message states that the United States "has proudly supported Kosovo's journey to become a sovereign, democratic, multiethnic, and prosperous country."

"Regional peace, security, and economic development remain essential to Kosovo's sustainable prosperity," Secretary Rubio's message states.

A day earlier, Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani announced that she had received a congratulatory message from US President Donald Trump.

It said that Trump "congratulates the people of Kosovo on their journey towards independence" and highlights "the resilience and determination that have accompanied this process."

The President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, also congratulated Kosovo, recalling that his country, in February 2008, was among the first countries to recognize its statehood.

"Over the years, we have continuously deepened our cooperation, whether in security policies, in reforms for approximation with the EU, or in the field of climate and energy policies," the German president's congratulatory message states, among other things.

French President Emmanuel Macron said that "in the face of the turmoil and fragmentation of the world, the European perspective of Kosovo, as well as that of all the countries of the Western Balkans, must be reaffirmed."

"France remains a committed ally of Kosovo and will continue to support its stability, development and European perspective," President Macron's message states.

In the message from the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, it is stated that his country "remains a committed partner of Kosovo" and that it supports "its progress towards Euro-Atlantic integration and the strengthening of democracy and stability in the region."

"I am very pleased that our countries share such strong ties and look forward to further strengthening our friendship," said British King Charles III in his congratulatory message.

Kosovo declared independence on February 17, 2008, with the support of the United States and other Western allies.

The country is today recognized by more than 100 countries around the world, but is not yet a member of the United Nations, or other organizations such as the European Union and the Council of Europe.

To advance towards integration, Kosovo needs to normalize relations with Serbia.

The two countries have been in negotiations for about 14 years, but are still far from the final goal./ REL