UK, Kosovo in talks over potential migrant agreement

On the eve of a major summit of Western Balkan leaders, Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti said his country is ready to help the United Kingdom prevent illegal migration.

Kurti confirmed he is in talks with the United Kingdom to secure an agreement targeting “irregular migration,” stating it is his country’s “duty” to help solve the problem.

His British counterpart, Keir Starmer, is set to hold talks with leaders from six countries in the region in London on Wednesday, aiming to fulfill his promise to reduce the number of migrants residing illegally in the UK.

Ahead of the meeting, Kurti spoke positively about the possibility of establishing a partnership between his country and the United Kingdom.

Speaking at a private meeting, the Kosovan politician stated, “We want to help the United Kingdom; we see this as our duty of friendship and politics. Our capacity is limited, but we still want to help, and currently, our teams of state officials and lawyers from our interior ministry are in regular communication on how this can be done smoothly for mutual benefit.”

Kurti noted that Kosovo would seek greater security cooperation in return, adding that the two sides are still working on the details and that he “thinks the negotiations will yield a successful outcome.”

Recalling the UK’s role in efforts to end the Bosnian war in the 1990s, Kurti argued that his country has an obligation to help, stating, “Because you helped us a lot, and we will never forget that.”

British officials confirmed they have held discussions with their counterparts about potential return centers but stressed that this is just one of several proposals being explored.

Starmer had previously expressed openness to the idea of a bilateral agreement for processing individuals who have exhausted all options to remain in the UK but had not confirmed active talks with any specific country.

Migration centers were discussed at a meeting of Western Balkan foreign ministers held at Hillsborough Castle in Belfast, and analysts have pointed to Kosovo as one of the most attractive options for an agreement.