Today, US President George W. Bush met with President and Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo.

 
After an hour meeting behind closed doors, leaders of both nations gave a brief press conference.

President Bush stated that he is honored to welcome the president and prime minister of an independent Kosovo to the Oval Office. "I am a strong supporter of Kosovo's independence. I'm against any partition of Kosovo. I believe strongly that the United Nations mission must be handed over to the EU as quickly as possible. I am proud of Kosovo nation and your support of minority rights, the full implementation of the Ahtisaari plan," said US President. 

President Bush stressed that during the meeting they discussed various issues, problems that Kosovo faces. "I pledged that the United States would continue to work with those nations that have not recognized an independent Kosovo to convince them to do so as quickly as possible. We also talked about economics, education and Kosovo's transatlantic aspirations to join NATO and become a member of the European Union,” added Bush.

"I mentioned to both these leaders that they were sitting right below the portrait of George Washington, the founder of a free United States. I appreciate your courage. I appreciate your leadership. And I commit the United States to help you realize your dreams," concluded Bush.

The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Fatmir Sejdiu, said: "It's an extraordinary occasion for us to be received by President Bush, to convey to him all of the aspirations and all the thanks of the Kosovar people. The Kosovo people have been following democracy… the principles of democracy and freedom. We guaranteed President Bush that we will continue on this road towards building a strong democratic country for all citizens, and at the same time to implement the Ahtisaari document. We will have excellent relations with all our neighbors, including Serbia. Our progress will be with the integration into NATO and the EU."

Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi, said: "Today's meeting with President Bush not only reiterates the fact that we are closely connected with the United States, but will always be their trustful friend, forever. We have always trusted the United States and trusted the development of our country and that it will be to the benefit of the international development. The Kosovo government and the Kosovo people will always bow in deep respect for the United States. [Kosovo] is a joint success story. We are building a democratic Kosovo… affirmative action for the minorities. We'll develop economic… Kosovo economically. We'll have excellent relations with all our neighbors, and in the future with Serbia. As a sovereign and democratic country we want to be part of NATO and part of the EU and have excellent relations with the United States. This is our pledge, this is our responsibility, and this is our vision. "