The President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj, attended the reception hosted by the Embassy of Pristina in Tirana on the occasion of February 17th, Kosovo’s Independence Day.
While honoring the role of Ibrahim Rugova as Kosovo’s historic leader and president, Adem Demaçi, and the heroic struggle of the Kosovo Liberation Army against the criminal regime of the former Yugoslavia, President Begaj called on the European Union to facilitate relations with Kosovo. He also urged EU member states that have not yet recognized Kosovo to do so without further delay.
Full Speech:
Happy Independence Day!
Kosovo won its independence through the peaceful resistance of wise men like Ibrahim Rugova, its historic leader and president, Adem Demaçi, and the heroic struggle of the Kosovo Liberation Army against the criminal regime of the former Yugoslavia.
It was built on the sacrifices of thousands of men and women who dared to dream of a future in freedom and a better life for their children.
It was paid for with the blood of martyrs, the tears of mothers, the pain of the displaced and the missing, and the resilience of a people who never bowed to injustice and genocide.
Kosovo’s cause united states and nations.
NATO’s intervention stands as a unique example of action and success in defending humanity and human lives.
Kosovo’s independence, achieved through blood and sacrifice, with the support of the right allies, becomes even more remarkable.
Kosovo’s independence is a cornerstone of peace in our region and, as such, remains an essential pillar of European security.
However, independence does not only translate into rights and freedoms but also into responsibilities—responsibilities toward its citizens and the international community, which Kosovo has upheld with great maturity.
In a short period, the Republic of Kosovo, Europe’s youngest state, has made significant strides in consolidating a democratic and functional state that guarantees rights and conducts free and democratic electoral processes.
Its institutions have been strengthened, its economy is growing, and its society remains active in pursuing progress and well-being.
Albania and Kosovo—the Albanian nation—are staunch allies of Euro-Atlantic values, holding the strongest support for these principles in the region and the continent. This is another testament to our wisdom in shaping our future and making the right choices in these turbulent times.
Such indicators deserve greater support and attention.
I call on the European Union to facilitate relations with Kosovo and urge EU member states that have yet to recognize it to reconsider their decisions.
Strategically, the EU’s expansion and its role in ensuring peace, development, and democracy across the continent cannot be fully realized while some of its member states refuse to recognize Kosovo—the most pro-European nation.
All citizens of the Republic of Albania and the entire Albanian nation rejoice in the independence of the Republic of Kosovo, its journey, and its achievements.
Albania and Kosovo are two states of one nation—the Albanian nation.
I encourage more active and concrete cooperation, especially in the economic field, between our two governments and institutions. This collaboration must transcend daily politics and bureaucratic obstacles, fostering increased exchanges and benefits for the citizens of both countries.
We must reclaim lost time for the sake of our people’s interests and our shared goals of integration, stability, and prosperity.
If 26 years ago, the focus was on survival and liberation, and if 17 years ago, independence fulfilled a historic dream, today’s generation faces new challenges.
Today, we need a new approach—a vision for making Albania better, Kosovo better, and the entire Albanian space more developed, prosperous, and truly European.
Happy Independence Day!
Happy celebrations to all citizens of the Republic of Kosovo!
Long live Kosovo! Long live Albania! Long live the Albanian nation!
