The United States has many loyal allies worldwide, but none may be more devoted per capita than the small republic of Kosovo.

That was the clear and compelling message of Drilon Zogaj — the Kosovo Chief of Consular Mission in Iowa — during his remarks while speaking to attendees during the monthly “Coffee and Camaraderie” event Tuesday morning at the local Harry C. Harter Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post No. 839.

Kosovo is a landlocked country in southeastern Europe with 1.6 million citizens. Zogaj repeatedly thanked the U.S. for its support against neighboring Serbia during a brutal struggle that consumed the small country from 1998 to 1999. It was part of a multi-regional conflict known as the “Yugoslav Wars” in the region from 1991 to 2001.

“I would not be standing here talking to you this morning about the independent nation of Kosovo without the skill and sacrifice of American and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) troops,” he said. “At a critical time, the United States responded in March 1999 with its armed forces by order of President Bill Clinton to aid in the fight against Serbia.”

After 78 days of airstrikes, the war turned in Kosovo’s favor and a tenuous cease fire has existed since. Members of the Kosovo Security Forces are stationed along its borders.

There are 4,000 NATO troops stationed in Kosovo. Also deployed are members of an Iowa National Guard unit from Boone, said Todd Jacobus, commandant of the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown. The unit provides military support and training for Kosovan troops.

While on active duty in the US Army and Iowa National Guard, Jacobus served in Kosovo and Iraq, among other assignments. He provided valuable context of military strategy used by U.S. and NATO forces during the war.

In gratitude, Kosovo erected a statue to Clinton and named major thoroughfares after former President George W. Bush, who followed Clinton, and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright – who served under Clinton.

Zogaj said Kosovo also celebrates July 4, America’s Independence Day.

“There are many American flags on display in our country,” he said. “And we believe in the same democratic principles as France, Great Britain, the United States and other democracies which recognize our country. Dictatorships such as China, North Korea, Serbia and Russia do not recognize us.”

Zogaj stressed repeatedly that Kosovo is a strong supporter of Ukraine in its war against Russia. He also emphasized that Kosovo supports NATO’s mission and ideally, and in the future wishes to apply for membership.

However, in order to be accepted into NATO, a country must first be a member of the United Nations (UN). Kosovo has applied to be a member of the UN, but its membership has been blocked by Russia and China.

Zogaj worked as a journalist before entering diplomatic service. He previously served in Washington, D.C. before his current assignment. He and family live in the Des Moines area, and Kosovo’s consulate office is in Des Moines.

“My son said he wants to be a Marine,” said the diplomat. “I told him one must first be a US citizen.”

The diplomat’s visit to the VFW was the second visit to Marshalltown in two months by Kosovans. In September, members of the Kosovo Security Forces — the country’s active-duty military — were at IVH for a presentation. They were joined by members of the Iowa National Guard unit from Boone.

Then, the Kosovan troops and delegates were in Iowa through the U.S Department of Defense State Partnership Program and the State of Iowa Sister State Partnership between Iowa and Kosovo.

“Nine Iowa towns, the four state universities and several private Iowa colleges have strong ties to Kosovo,” Jacobus said. “Kosovo is the only country that has a consulate in Iowa.”