Speech by President Vjosa Osmani
Official Birthday Celebration of His Majesty King Charles III
—
Your Excellency, Ambassador Hargreaves,
Distinguished ambassadors,
Members of Parliament,
Honored guests and everyone here present,
Dear friends of Kosovo and the UK,
Few friendships in Kosovo’s modern history are remembered with such clarity and respect as the one we share with the United Kingdom. And few moments offer a more fitting opportunity to honor that friendship than the birthday of His Majesty King Charles III.
I am truly grateful to join you tonight, as we celebrate a day that embodies the values we hold dear: the continuity of tradition, the strength of service, and the vision to lead through change.
On behalf of the people of the Republic of Kosovo, I extend our warmest congratulations to His Majesty, to the Royal Family, and to the people of the United Kingdom. May this special occasion serve as a joyful reminder not only of the strength of the Crown but also of the values that bind us across borders: dignity, service, and the courage of leadership that puts others first.
Because when we speak of the United Kingdom, we speak of a friend who stood by The Republic of Kosovo when the stakes were high and the path uncertain.
Because, when darkness loomed in our country, Britain helped us find the light.
When the world was still debating, Britain decided.
And when Kosovo’s voice was just a whisper, the United Kingdom helped make it heard.
British leaders, diplomats, parliamentarians stood firm in the halls of power, speaking out when our people were being silenced. British journalists told the truth when our people were facing a genocidal war. And British soldiers walked into harm’s way, not to conquer but to protect. Names may often fade in history books, but the people of Kosovo will forever remember.
We remember every voice that spoke for us when we had none.
We remember every hand that helped lift us up when we were brought to our knees.
And above all, we remember that freedom has the highest of costs, and that friends who help defend it are never forgotten.
That is not something we take for granted. It is something we carry with us, with gratitude and with purpose. It is precisely that shared purpose that guides our two countries forward: a purpose to build peace, to protect democracy, and to invest in partnerships that uplift our peoples.
Today, Kosovo is proud to call the United Kingdom one of its most steadfast partners. This partnership is strong in defense, in the economy, in education, and in global cooperation. I am especially pleased that following my meetings with Prime Minister Starmer and Foreign Secretary Lammy over the past year, we have reaffirmed our shared commitment to take our partnership to the next level. We are ready to deepen our cooperation in defense and expand economic ties that create real and strategic opportunities for both our countries and citizens.
In an age of rising global uncertainty, our defense cooperation has never mattered more. Our soldiers train side by side. Our institutions grow stronger with your support. And together, we stand for peace and security, not only in our region but also far beyond.
Ladies and gentlemen,
When we look to His Majesty King Charles III, we see not only a sovereign but a statesman who has dedicated his life to a quiet yet powerful form of leadership. A champion of the planet well before it was popular. A believer in unity when the world too often drifts apart. A reminder that service is not weakness. It is the biggest of strengths.
These are not just royal virtues. They are most importantly human virtues. Which is why, as the ambassador mentioned, every time I had the honor to speak to His Majesty, he talked about the missing persons in Kosovo. And they are values Kosovo believes in deeply.
Because in Kosovo, we know something about perseverance. We know what it means to stand firm when the world says “wait.” And we know that freedom, like peace, is never given. It is built, one act of courage, one moment of solidarity, one ally at a time.
So tonight, we raise a glass to His Majesty the King.
To the power of alliances.
And to the unshakable belief that when freedom-loving countries stand together, there is no summit we cannot reach.
God bless His Majesty King Charles III.
God bless the Republic of Kosovo and the United Kingdom.
Thank you.
Faleminderit.
Cheers.
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