The President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, has extended congratulations to Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani and the citizens of Kosovo on the occasion of the country’s 18th Independence Anniversary.
Czech Republic Reaffirms Support for Kosovo
According to an official statement, President Pavel expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation between the Czech Republic and Kosovo will continue to grow and deepen, contributing to regional stability and prosperity.
In his message, Pavel praised the friendly relations and strong partnership between the two countries and reiterated the Czech Republic’s commitment to supporting Kosovo’s European and Euro-Atlantic integration.
Historic Moment of Kosovo’s Independence
Kosovo declared independence on February 17, 2008, at 15:39, during an extraordinary session of the Assembly of Kosovo in Prishtina. The declaration was read by then-Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi, with 109 out of 120 deputies voting in favor, representing a strong political consensus for statehood.
This historic event marked a turning point in Kosovo’s path toward freedom and independence following decades of conflict and repression, particularly after the Kosovo war of 1998–1999 and the subsequent international administration under United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo.
International Legitimacy and Recognition
Kosovo’s independence was challenged by Serbia at the International Court of Justice, which in July 2010 ruled that Kosovo’s declaration of independence did not violate international law, strengthening Kosovo’s international legitimacy.
Since independence, Kosovo has gained recognition from numerous countries, including the United States of America and the majority of member states of the European Union, significantly advancing its global integration efforts.
Foundations of Kosovo’s Statehood
Before independence, Kosovo was governed under the framework proposed by Martti Ahtisaari, the United Nations Special Envoy, whose comprehensive plan laid the groundwork for Kosovo’s state-building process.
Kosovo further strengthened its institutional framework with the adoption of its Constitution on April 9, 2008, which entered into force on June 15, 2008, establishing the legal and democratic foundations of the state.
