During her speech at the joint parliamentary session between Kosovo and Albania, President Vjosa Osmani emphasized that Kosovo’s membership in NATO would effectively end Serbia’s ambitions in the region. She also stated that this session should serve as a call to action and a reminder that achieving their shared goals requires even greater ambition.
“We are living in a turbulent time that demands cooperation and purpose. For Kosovo and Albania, this is not just a choice, but a necessity. A strong Albania means a stronger Kosovo, and a more successful Kosovo lifts Albania even higher. History will not judge us kindly if we fail to seize this moment to build the unity and harmony that is essential. The prosperity of Kosovo and Albania is a task that belongs to all of us – to the leaders, institutions, and every citizen,” she said.
Osmani highlighted that the deep ties between Kosovo and Albania are rooted in a history of countless sacrifices. “This connection is not merely symbolic, it is an unbreakable foundation upon which we must build greater cooperation and more frequent coordination. Kosovo and Albania are not just two independent states, but inseparable parts of a great nation, united by a glorious history and a bright future,” she added.
She further explained that Kosovo’s aspiration to join the European Union is not just a political goal, but a reflection of its identity and vision. “Unfortunately, the obstacles Kosovo faces on this journey are immense. The injustices against the people of Kosovo continue to grow. To overcome these barriers successfully, we need the continued support of Albania. The EU will be safer, more stable, and more complete with our countries as members. Kosovo’s NATO membership will ultimately put an end to Serbia’s ambitions,” Osmani declared.
The president also addressed violations of the rights of Albanians in the Preševo Valley, as well as the challenges faced by Albanians in North Macedonia. “Albanians in Preševo, Medveđa, and Bujanovac are looking to us. Their rights are continuously violated in a flagrant manner. While the democratic world turns a blind eye to these violations, we must raise our voices more than ever before to put an end to these injustices,” Osmani said.
Rama: The Last Decade Was Pivotal for Albania’s Role in the Region
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama stated that Albania is now an active and respected member of the international community, playing a significant and decisive role in the region.
“We are no longer the figures in the background of international community photos; we are active and respected members, with a role that is both conscious of the modest size of our country in the grand arena of European politics, and crucial for our region, which today more than ever holds special meaning for the future of Europe,” Rama said.
He reflected on the last decade as one of significant transformation for Albania. “These ten years have been a major turning point for us, with great sacrifices and challenges. From floods to devastating earthquakes, and a global pandemic, we have faced many trials, yet we have emerged stronger,” Rama noted.
Spiropali: We Are One Blood, One History, and One Culture
Elisa Spiropali, Speaker of the Albanian Parliament, expressed her profound emotions and satisfaction at the joint session between the parliaments of Kosovo and Albania.
“We are one blood, one history, and one culture. It is a deep emotion and an immense pleasure to be here today in this joint meeting between the two parliaments. We should be thousands, not just a few, as many as the Albanians in the world, millions of us, meeting until the earth trembles beneath our feet, until the world learns who we are and what we can accomplish when we stand together,” Spiropali said.
She emphasized that, in this historic moment, Albanians are showing unwavering determination in their journey to transform their society into a modern European one, both in substance and behavior, Euro-Atlantic in orientation and just in every aspect. “Kosovo is a national priority for Albania, and Albania is a national priority for Kosovo. The success of one republic is the essential condition for the success of the other,” she said.
Spiropali also noted that the Balkans has historically been a land of grievances and dissatisfaction, but in this moment, Albanians are showing resolute commitment to their transformation. “We do not make distinctions, but no one can deny that, in this historic moment, Albanians have proven their unwavering determination in their journey to become a modern, European society, Euro-Atlantic in orientation, and just in every aspect,” she concluded.
Joint Parliamentary Session: A Historic Moment for Kosovo and Albania
The joint session of the parliaments of Kosovo and Albania began with the national anthems of both countries. Attending the session were Kosovo’s Parliament Speaker Glauk Konjufca, Albania’s Parliament Speaker Elisa Spiropali, and the presidents and prime ministers of both countries, Vjosa Osmani and Edi Rama, as well as numerous deputies from both nations.
Speaker Glauk Konjufca described the session as historic, as it marks the first such meeting between the parliaments of Kosovo and Albania. He also noted that this was the final session for the current legislatures of both countries, as both Kosovo and Albania are due to hold elections that will result in new parliamentary compositions.
The session signifies the deepening of ties between the two countries and serves as a reaffirmation of their shared vision for a stronger future together within the European and NATO frameworks.
