Ambassador Hovenier’s Remarks at the Signing of the Development Objective Agreement Grant, Sep 15, 2023
[as prepared]
Thank you, President Osmani.
Today President Osmani and Acting U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Kerry Monaghan-Hogler signed an agreement that adds over $34 million dollars in assistance funding to support our many USAID activities here in Kosovo.
I want to re-affirm the United States’ long-standing, and enduring, partnership with the people of Kosovo.
This additional funding will support the United States’ strategic goals for Kosovo, including efforts to advance Kosovo’s integration into European and Euro-Atlantic institutions, efforts to promote economic growth and prosperity, and efforts to enhance good government and further support the development of democratic institutions.
Our USAID programs in Kosovo are all intended to ensure that all Kosovans can access effective and accountable services from their institutions, are empowered to demand accountability for these services, and can thrive through strong economic and democratic opportunities.
Finally, I want to note that since 1999, the United States has invested $2 billion dollars in Kosovo to advance these shared goals, including investments of over $1 billion dollars from USAID.
The agreement signed today is another manifestation of the United States’ commitment to the Kosovan people.
