TIRANA, February 16 – On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of independence, the Ambassador of Kosovo in Tirana, Skender Durmishi organized on Wednesday an official reception with the participation of representatives of politics and social life, as well as the heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Tirana. Present at this reception, in his speech, President Skender Begaj said that Kosovo has shown in these 15 years of independence that it is a factor of peace in the region.
“The Republic of Kosovo, a sovereign and independent state, has demonstrated with facts its maturity and prudence in its attitudes. Over these 15 years, Kosovo has managed to respect and honor the pledge it made to the world through the signatories of independence that it was and will be a factor for peace and stability in Southeastern Europe,” said the President.
Further he said that Albania’s fraternal relationship with Kosovo is natural. “We are a nation divided into two states, so we share losses and victories, pains and successes. Albania has supported and will continue to support the Republic of Kosovo, in its membership in international organizations and will maximally intensify efforts for further recognition of its legitimate independence,” Begaj said, adding that the strategic partnership must be deepened even further for the benefit of the two states and Albanian nation.
“The unsparing support from the European Union and the United States of America for us and the entire Balkans is a political as well as a geographical guarantee that the future of the countries of the region is not one of wars and divisions, but of dialogue and cooperation,” said Begaj, who went to Pristina on the occasion of the celebrations in Kosovo on Thursday.
In his greeting speech the Ambassador of Kosovo to Albania, Skender Durmishi said Kosovo is celebrating 15 years of statehood but progress is even bigger than the age of the state.
“This is the anniversary of Kosovo’s Statehood. Our gathering today is dedicated to this purpose, while in respect to the jubilee, I am asking and waiting for you to join in the activities we plan during the year here in Tirana or in other cities of Albania,” said Ambassador Durmishi.
Revealing that Kosovo is currently recognized by 117 countries, the Ambassador said his country hoped and expected that other countries will recognize Kosovo as soon as they overcome some prejudices and hesitations and evaluate the facts about the democratic state being built in Kosovo.
Mr. Durmishi said that Kosovo citizens will travel to the EU countries without visas next year and expressed gratitude to those who trusted the Kosovo people and contributed to this decision to be taken after years of stalemate. The application for membership to the Council of Europe and the EU is another step to be remembered from the Year 2022, he said.
The Ambassador admitted that besides the achievement in many fields, Kosovo will still have to face challenges. “But for sure Kosovo will have, as well, strong will and resilience to overcome any challenges in our strive to build a modern and prosperous state. For this sublime goal, we will always have enough energy and willingness.”
Speaking of the cooperation between Kosovo and Albania Mr. Durmishi said the interstate relationship is entirely special, and according to him the two countries had a very good level of cooperation politically, economically, in foreign policy, and in culture. An example of this was the adoption of about 180 agreements, protocols, and memoranda, he said.
The Kosovo Ambassador said Kosovo welcomed any successes of Albania and he referred to a saying of a great Kosovar from the glorious days of idealists and brave men: “We are well when Albania is well!” /Argumentum.al
