Foreign Secretary meeting with Kosovo Prime Minister Kurti: UK statement

Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly met Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti in London today (26 June 2023) to discuss the situation in northern Kosovo.  The Foreign Secretary stressed the need for Kosovo’s government to take de-escalatory steps to reduce tensions, including ensuring the mayors of four northern municipalities can work from alternative locations, removing special police units from the municipal buildings, and taking steps towards new, inclusive elections.

The Foreign Secretary underlined that Serbia and Kosovo have a responsibility to act now to de-escalate tensions and to avoid any further inflammatory actions or rhetoric. He welcomed the announcement of the imminent release of the three Kosovo Policemen detained by Serbian security forces on 14 June as a positive step forward.

Speaking after the meeting, the Foreign Secretary said:

The UK was the first country to recognise Kosovo’s independence in 2008, and remains committed to its future as an independent, multi-ethnic state in a stable and prosperous region.

As I made clear to Prime Minister Kurti, continued tensions put at risk the hard-won gains achieved in Kosovo over the years together with the UK and international partners.