President Begaj’s Address at the Kosova Embassy Event Celebrating Kosova’s Independence Day
Congratulations on Independence Day!
Kosova gained its independence through the peaceful resistance of wise men like Ibrahim Rugova, the historical leader and president of Kosova, Adem Demaçi, and the heroic fight of the Kosova Liberation Army against a criminal regime of the former Yugoslavia.
It was built on the sacrifices of thousands of men and women who dared to dream of a freer and better future for their children.
It was paid for with the blood of martyrs, the tears of mothers, the pain of the displaced and still missing, and the resistance of a people who never bowed to injustice and genocide.
The cause of Kosova united states and nations.
NATO’s intervention is a unique example of reaction and success in defending humanity and human lives.
This independence of Kosova, achieved through blood and sacrifice with our allies by our side, becomes even grander.
The independence of Kosova is a cornerstone of peace in our region and as such remains a vital pillar of European security.
Independence cannot be translated only into rights and freedoms but also into responsibilities. Responsibilities to its citizens and the international community, which Kosova has upheld with great maturity.
In a short time, the Republic of Kosova, the newest state in Europe, has taken giant steps to consolidate a democratic and functional state that guarantees rights, a state that conducts free and democratic electoral processes.
Institutions have been strengthened, its economy is growing, and its society is active and seeks progress and well-being.
Albania and Kosova, the Albanian nation, is a staunch ally of Euro-Atlantic values and has the highest support of these values in the region and the continent, another indicator of the wisdom to project the future and make the right choice in turbulent times.
Such indicators deserve more support and attention.
I urge the European Union to ease relations with Kosova, and member states, which have yet to recognize it, to reconsider their decisions.
Strategically, the expansion of the European Union with new countries and its role in securing peace, development, and democracy across the continent cannot be fulfilled if there are EU member states that do not recognize the most pro-European state, Kosova.
All citizens of the Republic of Albania, the entire Albanian nation, rejoice in the Independence of the Republic of Kosova, its journey, and the successes it has achieved.
Albania and Kosova 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 two governments and institutions, cooperation that should transcend daily politics and bureaucratic hurdles and bring more exchanges and benefits for the citizens of our two countries.
We must make up for lost time for the benefit of our citizens and our common objectives for integration, stability, and well-being.
If 26 years ago the discussion was about survival and liberation, and 17 years ago independence realized a historical dream, today’s generation faces new challenges.
Today, a new approach is required; a new approach on how to make Albania better, Kosova better, the Albanian area better, more developed, more prosperous, and more European.
Happy Independence Day!
Congratulations to all the citizens of the Republic of Kosova!
Long live Kosova!
Long live Albania!
Long live the Albanian nation!