Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama arrived in Kosovo today ahead of the country’s 18th Independence Anniversary, receiving a state ceremony welcome from Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti at the Government building.
Upon arrival, Rama held a bilateral meeting with President Vjosa Osmani, where discussions focused on closer political and institutional coordination between Kosovo and Albania, as well as joint efforts in foreign policy and strategic regional initiatives. Both leaders emphasized the importance of continuous Kosovo–Albania cooperation as a factor of regional stability and peace and highlighted their constructive roles in international initiatives promoting dialogue and partnership.
During the meeting, the leaders also discussed Kosovo and Albania’s engagement in the Peace Board, underscoring the significance of participating in global initiatives promoting security, dialogue, and democratic values, and reaffirming the countries’ strategic partnership with international allies.
Rama attended the book launch “When Silence Speaks” by Ahmet Shala, addressing the historical memory of Kosovo and defending the legacy of the Kosovo Liberation Army (UÇK). He revealed that President Osmani was threatened for two years by the Hague Special Prosecution, after she refused to allow prosecutors to enter the President’s office in Prishtina, protecting Kosovo’s sovereignty and institutional integrity.
Rama criticized the Hague Special Court, claiming it attempts to link the four former UÇK leaders to genocide charges without evidence, in contrast to internationally convicted figures like Ratko Mladić. He called the court’s proceedings a catastrophe for international justice, arguing that the UÇK fought defensively against an exterminatory invasion, not to impose rule over foreign territory.
President Osmani also spoke at the book launch, stating that the trials in The Hague are unjust, affecting Kosovo’s freedom, independence, and efforts for liberation. She emphasized that justice must be impartial and based on facts, not manipulated narratives, and warned that attempts are being made to distort Kosovo’s history.
Rama and Osmani reaffirmed their commitment to deepening fraternal cooperation, particularly in economic partnership, joint development projects, and opportunities that improve citizens’ well-being, while Rama congratulated Kosovo on its independence anniversary and reconfirmed Albania’s full support for Kosovo’s statehood and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
During his visit, the Kosovo Police announced temporary traffic restrictions to ensure the safe movement of the Prime Minister’s delegation, including on routes from the Vërmicë border crossing and Prishtina Airport, with re-routing to alternative roads as necessary.
