Political officials and representatives of local Albanian political parties said Bush's visit had come at a historic moment for Kosovo and the entire region, and that it was a clear signal that the USA strongly advocated Kosovo's independence.
"This is a historic moment and I thank the US president for his strong support to Albania and the Albanian people, as well as to Southeast Europe, to move on on the path of reform," Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu said.
A spokeswoman for Kosovo PM Agim Ceku also said Bush's visit was of historic importance.
Fatmir Limaj, vice-president of the Democratic Party of Kosovo, the leading opposition party in the province, said the visit was proof of America's commitment to completing the process of defining Kosovo's status by granting the province independence, and a clear signal that Albania was heading in the right direction when it came to Euro-Atlantic integration processes.
Similar assessments of the visit were made by political analysts in Pristina, who said that it was a sign of acknowledgment of Albania's efforts to join Euro-Atlantic structures, but also an important signal coming at a time when Kosovo's status was being defined.
Kosovo officials generally agree that further delays in defining the province's status will not be tolerated and expect the process to be completed with the declaration of independence, but they advise against unilateral moves.