Although a group of Serb citizens protested near the stage set up in the center of North Mitrovica during the third edition of the “Mitrovica International Jazz” festival, Kosovo’s acting Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, in his opening speech emphasized that this cultural event is taking place on both sides of the Ibër River.
“This is your Mitrovica, the Mitrovica of all of us, on both sides of the Ibër. No one can obstruct or undermine this shared cultural development,” he said.
Kurti praised the “Mitrovica International Jazz Days” for bringing together the international and universal dimension of music with the uniqueness of the jazz genre.
With nine concerts and the participation of artists from the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, he noted that this edition offers a special blend of international talent and local hospitality, encouraging the audience to follow the event with enthusiasm and making the festival a natural part of the city.
“These nine concerts are being held on both sides of the Ibër because this is your Mitrovica, the Mitrovica of all of us, and no one can obstruct or undermine this shared cultural development. The Republic of Kosovo, through the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports, will continue to support this Mitrovica festival and all initiatives that strengthen the cultural life in our country. Because where there is culture and art, there is development, understanding, and an environment for everyone equally,” he said.
“Congratulations on this successful edition. I hope that the Mitrovica International Jazz Festival continues to grow every year, bringing more music day and night, more cooperation everywhere, and more opportunities for Mitrovica and all of Kosovo,” Kurti concluded.
