Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma will travel to Albania, Kosovo, and Serbia January 7-11. In Tirana, he will discuss Albania's democratic progress, defense capabilities, and deepening economic ties with the United States, and thank the Government of Albania for its ongoing support to our Afghan allies.
In Kosovo, he will discuss normalization of Kosovo's relations with Serbia through the EU-facilitated Dialogue, strengthening governance and rule of law, and fostering economic growth and energy security for the benefit of all Kosovans. He will also thank the Government of Kosovo for its strong support of Ukraine and for its assistance to Afghans in need.
In Serbia, the Deputy Secretary will highlight the growing U.S.-Serbia strategic partnership on energy and other economic issues. He will offer support for Serbia's integration into European institutions, normalization of Serbia's relations with Kosovo, strengthening the rule of law, and closer bilateral cooperation on military and security issues.
He will also reaffirm the United States' commitment to the countries of the Western Balkans as they pursue Euro-Atlantic integration and deeper regional cooperation.
