Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani and USAID mission director Eileen Devitt signed on August 21 a new agreement that will provide nearly $34.5mn in additional US development assistance for the people of Kosovo.

The funds, which are part of a long-standing partnership between the United States and Kosovo, aim to boost economic growth, promote good governance, and enhance government services across the country.

This latest grant marks 25 years since the United States first began providing development assistance to Kosovo, bringing the total US contribution to over $1bn during that period, according to the statement released by the US embassy in Pristina.

The new funds will support a range of activities and programmes designed to strengthen Kosovo’s economy, improve governance, and advance the country’s integration into European markets.

However, speaking at the signing ceremony, US ambassador to Kosovo Jeffrey Hovenier acknowledged ongoing challenges in relations between the US, its international partners, and the government of Kosovo, led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti.

"Many of you will have seen media reports about current differences between the United States and other members of the international community with the government of Kosovo," Hovenier said.

The ambassador noted that while these challenges have affected the quality of the partnership, the US remains hopeful that the government will “return to close and constructive engagement with the United States, the EU, Nato, and Kosovo’s other close international partners".

He reiterated that although some areas of cooperation with the current government have not met expectations, the United States’ commitment to the people of Kosovo remains as strong as ever.

The newly allocated funds will focus on further strengthening Kosovo’s economy, improving governance, and facilitating the country’s closer ties with European and global institutions.

Despite the recent diplomatic tensions, Hovenier’s remarks made it clear that the United States’ partnership with Kosovo continues to be rooted in a long-term commitment to the well-being of its people and the development of a prosperous, stable country.