During an official state visit by President Vjosa Osmani of Kosovo to Switzerland, Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter delivered a powerful address emphasizing deepening ties between Switzerland and Kosovo, regional peace, and the evolving global order. Keller-Sutter reaffirmed Switzerland’s strong support for Kosovo’s EU membership aspirations, noting that both countries share a close ally the United States. “We have a special relationship with the United States. Switzerland enjoys a long-standing partnership with the U.S., and for Kosovo, America has been one of its closest allies. It offered irreplaceable support in Kosovo’s path to independence and international recognition,” said the Swiss President.
She highlighted that the geopolitical changes, partly influenced by U.S. policies, are creating new challenges worldwide: “The world is undergoing deep restructuring. We don’t yet know what the new global balance will look like. But what we need more than ever is commitment to a rules-based international order, to peace and security, to open markets and democratic values.”
Keller-Sutter emphasized that Switzerland was among the first countries to recognize Kosovo’s independence in 2008, and now proudly hosts Kosovo’s head of state. “This visit testifies to the flourishing relationship between our two countries and offers a chance to strengthen ongoing cooperation.”
She praised the Kosovar diaspora in Switzerland, highlighting their historical contributions. Over 160,000 people of Kosovar origin now live in Switzerland. The first Kosovar workers came in the 1960s and 70s, contributing to Switzerland’s economic growth. A more painful wave of migration followed during the 1990s war, where Switzerland provided shelter and safety to tens of thousands. “Today, second- and third-generation Swiss citizens of Kosovar heritage call this country home. Whether football stars, teachers, mechanics, managers, or politicians they’ve shaped Swiss society for decades. Their success stories are also Swiss success stories.” She also pointed out the symbolic closeness, mentioning that Kosovo’s current ambassador to Switzerland is Swiss himself. “The history of migration from Kosovo to Switzerland is one of integration, coexistence, and solidarity with those in need.”
Amid current global instability, Keller-Sutter warned that peace and self-determination should never be taken for granted, referencing the war in Ukraine: “We are once again witnessing war on European soil. Russia’s aggression in Ukraine reminds us that peace and self-determination must be defended. Kosovars understand very well what it means to rise for freedom.” She underlined that Switzerland stands firmly for international law and territorial integrity in both Ukraine and Kosovo. In closing, she said that both Kosovo and Switzerland share a commitment to minority protection, a value that, according to her, binds the two nations even more strongly in these uncertain times.
