The former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO Forces in Europe, General Wesley Clark, stated that Serbia must recognize Kosovo's independence. According to him, economic cooperation between the two countries will be inevitable.

He spoke at a discussion organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo, marking the 26th anniversary of NATO's intervention in Kosovo and the 21st anniversary of the establishment of the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo.

General Clark encouraged Kosovo to embrace regional cooperation with neighbors such as Albania, North Macedonia, and even Serbia, as reported by the American Chamber of Commerce.

"Ultimately, Serbia will have to accept your independence, and economic cooperation will be inevitable," Clark is quoted as saying.

He called on Kosovo's leaders to follow clean governance, political unity, and maintain a strong balance between the government and the private sector.

"Governments alone cannot stimulate growth – you need the private sector, especially in information technology and services, where Kosovo's talent and language skills can shine," Clark said.

In his conversation with the Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce, Arian Zeka, General Clark noted that Kosovo holds a very important strategic position, offering early warnings about threats to regional stability in the Western Balkans.

"The world is watching Kosovo, and the best way to strengthen its security is through economic development and investments, especially from the United States."

Addressing Kosovo's role in regional and global affairs, General Clark emphasized the fundamental importance of the rule of law, urging Kosovo to "be proud of it, strengthen it, and use it to build investor trust."

He called for investments in infrastructure and energy, highlighting Kosovo's abundant lignite reserves, and advocated for the country's digital transformation, improving tax systems, connecting to the broad internet belt, and ensuring cybersecurity to combat disinformation and external subversion./KosovaPress