The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, together with the Acting Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, on the occasion of Ukraine’s Independence Day, today welcomed Ukrainian journalists currently residing in Kosovo.
On this occasion, in her speech to participants, Acting President Haxhiu said that some of you, during these very difficult years, have made Kosovo a temporary home.
“From here you have continued to write, report, speak but also to work for your country. We are glad that you are here with us today and your presence gives this day a special meaning”, said Acting President Haxhiu.
She further added that our history is not the history of Ukraine, but it has taught us to recognize the human cost of war.
“We know what it means to leave home without knowing when you will return. We know how much it matters when others stand by you when you need them most. And we know why freedom, once threatened, is defended with everything we have,” emphasized Acting President Haxhiu.
According to her, what Ukraine has shown over the years is extraordinary resilience.
“Ukrainians have continued to defend their country, their communities and their way of life under extraordinary pressure. They have kept institutions working, cities moving, children in school and the truth alive, even as the war continues. This determination enjoys deep respect in the Republic of Kosovo,” emphasized Acting President Haxhiu.
She said that we have stood by Ukraine since the first days of the Russian occupation.
“We have done so because we firmly believe in Ukraine’s right to choose its own future, to defend its land and also for the Ukrainian people to live freely. We have tried to make this support concrete. Kosovo has taken many actions in this direction. It has imposed sanctions on Russia immediately after the start of the Russian aggression and has continued to harmonize with our European and transatlantic partners. We have welcomed Ukrainian journalists, we have temporarily suspended the visa regime for Ukrainian citizens and we are prepared to receive people who are forced to leave their homes due to the war”, said Acting President Haxhiu.
She further added that Kosovo has also supported Ukraine in its defense.
“We are part of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, members of the Kosovo Security Force have participated in the training of Ukrainian military personnel, including within the “Interflex” operation, and we have also provided two packages of military aid, with 30 military vehicles and 10 thousand mortar shells”, emphasized Acting President Haxhiu.
According to Acting President Haxhiu, the presence of Ukrainian journalists here has a special meaning for us.
“During our war, we understood how important it was for someone to document what was happening and to make sure that the world could see it. Therefore, providing journalists with a safe place where they could continue their work, for us has undoubtedly been much more than simply providing them with shelter”, said Acting President Haxhiu.
She said that we want peace for Ukraine, that peace must be a peace that preserves its independence, sovereignty but also its territorial integrity, a peace in which Ukrainians decide for themselves about their future and rebuild their country in freedom.
“Kosovo will continue to stand by Ukraine. And I sincerely hope that the ties created between people during these difficult years will, in time, turn into an even greater closeness between our two countries. Happy Independence Day to Ukraine and all Ukrainians!”, said Acting President Haxhiu.
