The President of the Republic of Albania, Bajram Begaj, congratulated Kosovo on its Independence Day, acknowledging the sacrifices and efforts of all those who, according to him, “contributed to freedom and statehood.”
Invited to the reception organized by the Embassy of Kosovo in Tirana, Begaj called for deepening the cooperation between the two Albanian states and for their rapid membership in the European Union.
“All citizens of the Republic of Albania, the entire Albanian nation rejoice in the Independence of the Republic of Kosovo, its journey, and the successes it has achieved. Albania and Kosovo are two states of one nation, the Albanian nation. I wish to encourage more active and concrete cooperation, especially in the economic field between our governments and institutions, a cooperation that must transcend current policies and bureaucratic obstacles, bringing more exchanges and benefits for the citizens of both our countries. We must make up for the lost time for the good of our citizens and our common objectives for integration, stability, and prosperity. If 26 years ago the discussion was about survival and liberation, if 17 years ago independence realized the historical dream, today’s generation faces new challenges. Today, a new approach is required on how to make Albania better, Kosovo better, the Albanian space better, more developed, prosperous, and more European,” said President Begaj in his speech.
He expressed gratitude and respect for the political leaders, the fighters of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), and all Albanians who made the dream of freedom and independence a reality, supported by international allies and NATO.
“Kosovo gained its independence through the peaceful resistance of wise men, such as Ibrahim Rugova, the historic leader and President of Kosovo, Adem Demaçi, and the heroic fight of the Kosovo Liberation Army against the criminal regime of 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 with the blood of martyrs, the tears of mothers, the pain of refugees, the still-missing, and the resilience of a people that never bowed to injustice and genocide. Kosovo’s cause united states and nations. NATO’s intervention is a unique example of reaction and success in defending humanity and human lives. This independence of Kosovo, achieved with blood and sacrifices, alongside our allies and those in the right, becomes even more magnificent. Kosovo’s independence is part of the foundation of peace in our region and, as such, remains an important pillar of European security. Independence cannot be translated only into rights and freedoms but also into responsibilities. Responsibilities before the citizens and the international community, which Kosovo has upheld with great maturity. In a short time, the Republic of Kosovo, the youngest state in Europe, has made giant strides in consolidating a democratic and functional state that guarantees rights, a state that holds free and democratic electoral processes. Its institutions have been strengthened, its economy is growing, and society is active, seeking progress and well-being. Albania and Kosovo, the Albanian nation, are unwavering allies of Euro-Atlantic values and have the greatest support for these values in the region and the continent, another indication of the wisdom to project the future and make the right choice in such turbulent times. Such indicators deserve more support and attention,” Begaj said.
In his welcoming speech, President Begaj valued that Kosovo’s independence is part of the foundation of peace in the region and, as such, remains an important pillar of European security.
The President of the Republic of Albania appealed to the European Union to ease relations with Kosovo and for the member states that have not yet recognized it to reconsider their decisions.
“I would like to appeal to the European Union to ease relations with Kosovo, as well as to the member states that have not yet recognized it, to reconsider their decisions. Strategically, the EU’s enlargement with new countries and its role in ensuring peace, development, and democracy across the continent cannot be fulfilled if there are EU member states that do not recognize the state of Kosovo,” said Begaj.
The head of state also congratulated the authorities of Kosovo for the achievements made over these 17 years in the service of citizens and democracy, welcoming the recent electoral process in Kosovo.
