Readout of Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Ms. Sasha Baker's Meeting With Republic of Kosovo Minister of Defense Ejup Maqedonci

Department of Defense Spokesman Lt. Col. David Herndon provided the following readout:

Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Ms. Sasha Baker met with Republic of Kosovo's Minister of Defense Ejup Maqedonci at the Pentagon to reaffirm the strength of our defense relationship, Dec. 14.

Acting Under Secretary Baker congratulated Minister Maqedonci on his recent appointment as Defense Minister and expressed her appreciation for Kosovo's contributions to regional stability in the Western Balkans and its support of Ukraine, including by hosting Ukrainian personnel for de-mining training at its mine action center.

The leaders discussed the bilateral military relationship, including Kosovo's comprehensive transition plan - a multi-year effort to reshape Kosovo's Security Force from a civil defense force to a multi-ethnic, territorial defense force.

Additionally, the leaders discussed the strength of the State Partnership Program with the Iowa National Guard, opportunities for future training and exercises, and upcoming bilateral defense consultations scheduled for early 2024 in Pristina.