The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Madam Atifete Jahjaga, in a special reception organized in the Kosovo Embassy in London, handed over to the world famous artist, singer, originally from Kosovo, Rita Ora, the Presidential Medal “Ambassador of Honour “ with which she has distinguished her previously.
At the organized ceremony participated the former Prime Minister of Great Britain, Mr. Tony Blair, the former NATO Secretary General, Lord George Robertson, the former KFOR commander, General Michael Jackson, diplomatic representatives in London and friends of Kosovo.
In a remarks held on this occasion, President Jahjaga stressed:
Mr and Mrs Blair,
Lord Robertson,
General Jackson,
Dear Rita,
Distinguished friends of Kosovo,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would like to welcome you all to the Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo here in London.
We are honored to have today with us such a distinguished group, true friends of my country, who have contributed with their extraordinary commitment for the people of Kosovo.
Kosovo today is at peace. It is an independent state. Sovereign. Democratic. And it would not have been what it is today – a country that embodies the values of freedom, democracy and human rights – if it weren’t for your determination to liberate Kosovo and your belief that the people of Kosovo deserve to be masters of their own fate. For Kosovo to be equal with other peace loving nations of the world.
As we celebrate our young country and we thank Great Britain and our allies for their role in helping us turn a new chapter in Kosovo, today I also want to recognize members of our diaspora, who keep alive the friendship and the ties between our nations.
As the President of Kosovo, I have the honor to distinguish today Kosovo’s most successful artist, the wonderful Rita Ora, and endow her the title of Honorary Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo in the world.
This title is awarded to the foreign nationals and citizens of Kosovo origins who have contributed and contribute for the national interest of Kosovo.
We are amazed by Rita. Through her will and talent she has become an inspiration to her nation. With hardships of the life of a refugee, uprooted from their home, her family did not despair. Did not give up. They sought new opportunities here in Britain, in a country that embraced them as their own and allowed them to compete as an equal, without any discrimination.
Friends,
Today I want you all to join me in thanking Vera and Besnik, Rita’s dedicated parents, who have raised her, her sister Elena and brother Don, with strong values and with such pride. And now, the sky is the limit.
Rita, you embody all what we are about as a nation. What we have been through and what we can achieve when given the chance. Beyond your talent and success that make us all proud, we are most thankful that you are a Kosovo girl who is proud of her roots. You are the best bridge between Kosovo, the country you were born in and Britain, the country you now call home.
Mr Blair, Lord Robertson, General Jackson,
You and your country helped us win the peace and you continue to support our progress. In return, Kosovo has given you Rita Ora. However, you still owe us.
In closing, I want to say how proud Kosovo is to have Great Britain as a friend, a partner, and an ally. Rita, you epitomize the bond between our nations as a light that shines.
Cheers to our everlasting friendship!