On the occasion of the Statehood Day of the Republic of Croatia, the Croatian Embassy in Pristina hosted a formal reception attended by Kosovo’s top institutional leaders, accredited diplomats, members of the Croatian community in Kosovo, acting ministers, former political figures, ambassadors from other countries, and other guests.
Croatia’s Ambassador to Kosovo, Daniela Barisic, stated that Croatia will continue its strong support for Kosovo’s European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
In her speech, Barisic emphasized Croatia’s continued participation in the KFOR mission to maintain peace and security as a prerequisite for development and prosperity in Kosovo and the region.
“Today we also celebrate the friendly relations between our two countries, the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Kosovo, which have been proven through bilateral cooperation and increased trade. Our relations were further confirmed by official visits, including Prime Minister Kurti’s visit to Croatia late last year, during which six agreements were signed. Croatia will continue its strong support for Kosovo’s European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations and its participation in KFOR,” said Barisic.
Barisic noted that the event also aimed to confirm the friendly ties between the two nations. Referring to today’s global uncertainty, she mentioned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which she said has deeply affected the international order.
“We are gathered here to confirm the friendly relations between Croatia and Kosovo. However, I am sure our conversations tonight cannot avoid issues that affect all of us nationally, regionally, and globally. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine over three years ago, we have witnessed a collapse of the global order as we knew it. Thus, uncertainty and geopolitical unpredictability have become among the most used terms globally. Still, we have our safe harbor and anchor – the European Union,” she said.
She also addressed the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, stressing that stability depends on dialogue, not confrontation, and reaffirmed Croatia’s support for lifting the EU’s punitive measures against Kosovo.
“First – the Western Balkans is of strategic importance to the European Union, and enlargement in this region is the EU’s most important geopolitical project. Second – a key priority remains the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia. You are equal partners at the table. Stability depends on dialogue, not confrontation. And third – the EU has begun gradually lifting the punitive measures imposed in June 2023. Let me add – Croatia has long supported this. This decision opens more opportunities for Kosovo’s development and closer ties with Europe,” Barisic concluded.
Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti also spoke at the event, stating that Kosovo and Croatia share deep historical, friendly, and value-based ties.
“This day marks not only the establishment of Croatia’s modern statehood but also the enduring will of a proud people to shape their future, live in freedom, and contribute to peace and prosperity in our region. Croatia was among the first to recognize Kosovo’s independence. Your political, moral, and practical support has been unwavering ever since. For this, we are deeply grateful,” said Kurti.
Kurti added that Croatia’s EU and NATO membership serves as an inspiration for Kosovo, and he emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral ties in trade, education, culture, and defense.
“Croatia’s EU and NATO membership serves as a reminder of what is possible when a nation is guided by the principles of freedom, rule of law, and human dignity. We are also proud of the vibrant Croatian community in Kosovo and the Albanian-Kosovar diaspora in Croatia, which serve as bridges of mutual respect and cooperation. As we look to the future, let us continue to deepen our bilateral ties. Together, we can help create a region that is free, democratic, and firmly anchored in Euro-Atlantic values,” he added.
Croatia’s Statehood Day commemorates May 30, 1990, when Croatia established its first democratically elected multi-party parliament.
