President Begaj in Prishtina for the 17th Anniversary of Independence: EU Should Lift Unjust Sanctions Against the State of Kosova!
President Bajram Begaj of the Republic participated today in the state ceremony organized in Prishtina on the occasion of the 17th anniversary of Kosova’s Independence Day.
In his speech, the President called on Albanians for unity, cooperation, and commitment to preserve and advance their achievements to date.
“Throughout our long history, we Albanians have never received political gifts from anyone. We have had to fight for our most basic rights: freedom, independence, our language. Today, we enjoy them, and for this, we are proud. With this pride comes a responsibility for the challenges ahead. We must love the Albanian nation with divine strength, work together with human strength to maintain freedom, to strengthen peace, democracy, and stability, to work together for prosperity and integration, to be builders of the prosperous future of the Albanian nation,” President Begaj expressed, specifically emphasizing the responsibility for cooperation between Albania and Kosova, considering it the path to strengthening both states and enhancing the influence of the Albanian factor regionally and beyond, for the strengthening of the Albanian nation.
Regarding this cooperation, the President stated that there is an extraordinary potential not yet fully exploited: “Our citizens expect more interaction and cooperation, more tangible results and economic exchanges, more facilitation in markets and joint initiatives, less bureaucracy or misunderstandings.”
While reconfirming Albania’s support for Kosova in all integration processes and the progress achieved over these 17 years, President Begaj appealed to the EU to lift the sanctions against Kosova and to increase recognitions from European countries that have refused so far.
“We believe that a United Europe is our strategic and vital destination, a project in the service of peace, democracy, security, stability, and prosperity. Albanians believe in the European Union, the values it represents, and the commitment to enlargement, but the non-recognition of the state of Kosova is an act that contradicts this commitment. We wish for these countries to reconsider their positions and for the European Union to lift the unjustly imposed sanctions against the state of Kosova.”
“Kosova has proven not only its ability to demand, protect, and respect freedom and democracy but also to fulfill its responsibilities to its citizens and the international community,” the President of the Republic expressed. President Begaj also praised the achievements to date, stating, “The Republic of Kosova is increasingly a contributor to peace, dialogue, and coexistence. Albania and Kosova, the Albanian factor in the region, are faithful allies of the United States of America and the European Union, committed allies of the Euro-Atlantic Alliance and its values in the region. Albanians will always be grateful for their unwavering support,” the Head of State emphasized, expressing respect for the efforts and sacrifices of all Albanians for the Independence of Kosova.