President Osmani attends the official Christmas reception at the Mother Teresa Cathedral and then visits the Filipaj family
Last night at the Mother Teresa Cathedral in Pristina, President Osmani, together with the First Lady, Prindon Sadriu, participated in the official Christmas reception. Congratulating the Bishop of Kosovo, Monsignor Dodë Gjergji and the Catholic community, President Osmani noted that Christmas is an inspiration that reminds us all that in the face of challenges, hope must triumph. “It reminds us that we should appreciate the people in our lives, express our gratitude to the family that loves us unconditionally, to the friends who stand by us, and to our compatriots, with whom we are connected by blood, language, and hope,” President Osmani stressed in her speech. Meanwhile, after the ceremony at the Cathedral, President Osmani, along with the First Gentleman and their daughters, were guests at the Christmas dinner at the Filipaj family in Prishtina. “Their hospitality and warmth is a testament to the true meaning of this holiday. Let us continue to show kindness to one another and nurture the spirit of Christmas throughout the year,” President Osmani highlighted.
President Osmani’s speech, this evening, at the Christmas celebration in St. Mother Teresa Cathedral in Prishtina
Good evening everyone! Honourable Bishop of Kosovo, Your Eminence Dodë Gjergji, Honourable Prime Minister Kurti, Deputy Prime Ministers, ministers, MPs, leaders of political parties, mayors, Honourable Grand Mufti, people of knowledge and art, Dear friends, I am very happy that tonight, on Christmas Eve, on this holiday of love, unity and hope, we are here together at the Cathedral of our holy Mother Teresa to celebrate. Hence, please allow me to recall the true character of Christmas, the sufferings of Christ for humanity, his sacrifice and resurrection, and to recall our example of goodness, that of Mother Teresa. Let us recall our values, which are so well and so profoundly exemplified by our Mother, Saint Teresa! She sacrificed herself for humanity, for the poorest of the poor, and from their suffering she created the image of the resurrection of hope, of love for humanity, and of unsparing help. Today, following her example, we not only wish each other a Merry Christmas, but we reflect deeply on what makes this holiday so special. Beyond the twinkling lights that symbolize hope, we reflect on our generosity and unity. Distinguished participants, Christmas is an inspiration that reminds us all that in the face of challenges, hope must triumph. It reminds us that we must appreciate the people in our lives, express our gratitude to the family that loves us unconditionally, to the friends who stand by us, and to our fellow citizens, with whom we are connected by blood, language, and hope. The magic of Christmas makes us turn our attention tonight to those who are close to us and to those who are far away in service. Above all, to those who need our care the most today. Therefore, following the example of our Gonxhe, let us take look after tonight and throughout the coming year all those who are waiting for our help and who need our care! Christmas is a moment to show kindness and care to them, by giving them a warm smile, a gesture of love, let us brighten their world. Thus, we make the world around us even more beautiful. Let us remember the saying: It is more blessed to give gifts than to receive them. Giving, after all, spreads the joy of Christmas very widely. Christmas reminds us that light always finds a way through darkness and that love has the power to transform even the hardest of hearts. So, as we celebrate, let’s embrace the true meaning of Christmas. Let’s laugh, celebrate, and create memories that will last a lifetime! Let’s remember those who can’t be with us and hold them close in our hearts! Let’s also remember, as I said, those who need it most, and most importantly, let’s keep the Christmas spirit with us long after the decorations are gone. Thank you all for being a part of this beautiful moment! May your days be filled with love, peace, and endless joy! I wish all Christian believers a Merry Christmas, with much joy and peace in their families and the entire Republic of Kosovo! Merry Christmas to all!
President Osmani: Christmas celebration among the many soldiers in Bondsteel, who even in this holiday are far from family
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, visited the soldiers at Bondsteel Camp on the occasion of Christmas. “The Christmas celebration among the many soldiers in Bondsteel, who even in this holiday are far from family, but united with the citizens of Kosovo around the values of peace, unity and love”, wrote President Osmani.
President Osmani’s Christmas Greetings
The Christmas holiday is an opportunity to reflect on hope, generosity and unity – a time when we are reminded of the power of love and hope. On this day, we especially appreciate the bonds and traditions that bring us together. Christmas is an inspiration that reminds us all that hope must prevail when facing challenges. I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Christian believers for a Christmas filled with love, joy and peace! Let this holiday inspire us towards a future of boundless hope! Merry Christmas and many happy returns!
President Osmani is honoured with the “Grand Excellence 2024” award by the Albanian Excellence Centre
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, has been honoured with the “Grand Excellence 2024” award by the Albanian Excellence Centre, for her unwavering commitment to preserving and strengthening the fundamental pillars of Kosovo’s statehood. During the solemn ceremony held in Tirana, the award was accepted on behalf of President Osmani by her advisor, Ms. Donika Kadaj. This prestigious award was given in recognition of President Osmani’s important role in protecting the sovereignty and integrity of Kosovo, as well as her continued efforts to strengthen strategic alliances with international allies. The award also recognizes her visionary leadership in promoting justice for victims of wartime violence and enhancing Kosovo’s international image. “Kosovo is a state built on great sacrifices and a history of pride, resistance and struggle for freedom and justice. These sacrifices always remind us of our responsibility to protect and advance our sovereignty, statehood and territorial integrity. President Osmani has shown to be a strong voice for protecting these values, placing them at the centre of her national and international agenda”, emphasized Ms Kadaj during her speech at the ceremony. “Through her institutional engagements, President Osmani has strengthened strategic partnerships with our international allies, ensuring that Kosovo is recognized as a democratic state committed to global peace and stability,” stated Ms Kadaj. This special award highlights President Osmani’s central role as a defender of democratic values and international law, affirming Kosovo as a reliable and committed partner to global peace and stability, and strengthening alliances as one of the main pillars of Kosovo’s statehood.
President Osmani’s speech at the joint session of the Parliament of the Republic of Kosovo and the Parliament of the Republic of Albania
Honourable Speakers of the Assemblies, Mr. Konjufca and Mrs. Spiropali, Honourable Prime Ministers Kurti and Rama, Honourable Members of both Assemblies, Honourable Citizens of Kosovo, Albania and Albanians from wherever you are following us today, Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Sisters and Brothers, It is an honour to address you at this joint session of our parliaments – a meeting that reflects not only our shared heritage, but also our unwavering determination to create a dignified future, supported by the vision and aspirations of our people, who have always demonstrated extraordinary strength and an uncompromising commitment to freedom, justice and well-being. This joint parliamentary session should serve as a call to action – a reminder that our common goal requires even greater ambition and even more tireless efforts. We are living in a turbulent time that demands cooperation and purpose. For Kosovo and Albania, this is not simply a choice, but a necessity. A stronger Albania means an even stronger Kosovo. A more successful Kosovo elevates Albania even higher. History will not judge us kindly if we fail to seize this moment to build the necessary unity and harmony. The prosperity of Kosovo and Albania is a task that belongs to all of us – leaders, institutions, and every citizen. Each of us must play our part in advancing the vision of our states and citizens within the family of European nations. The deep bond between Kosovo and Albania is rooted in history, in countless sacrifices, and in a shared vision for the future. This bond is not merely symbolic; it is an unbreakable foundation, on which we must build greater cooperation and more frequent coordination. Albania and Kosovo are not just two independent states, but are two inseparable parts of a great nation, united by a glorious history and a bright future that is being built day by day. Both our parliaments, as temples of democracy, have a decisive role in strengthening our bilateral ties and advancing the interests of our citizens. Each and every one of us bears the same responsibility. Honourable members of both Assemblies, While we have gathered all here today, Albania is taking decisive steps on its European path. I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations to the leaders of Albania, the Parliament of Albania and all its citizens for the successes so far in the negotiations for membership in the European Union. This achievement is a source of pride not only for Albania, but for all Albanians everywhere, It shows that through determination, work and reforms, our countries and our region can secure their deserved place in the European family. Kosovo, as always, remains unwaveringly committed to integration into the European Union and our engagement in this direction is daily. Our aspiration to join the European Union is not just a political goal, but a reflection of who we are and what we represent, therefore a reflection of our identity and our vision. Our nation defended the last gate of Europe, hundreds of years before the European Union was founded, therefore the values on which the EU was built – today stands at the very foundations of our nation. Unfortunately, the obstacles that Kosovo faces on this journey are extremely difficult. As the injustices against the people of Kosovo continue to grow, to successfully overcome these obstacles we need the continued support of Albania. The European Union will be safer, more stable and more complete with our states as part of it. Kosovo’s membership in NATO will finally put an end to Serbia’s hegemonic and destabilizing appetites towards Kosovo. In order to achieve this shared future, it is vital that we continuously strengthen coordination, communication and alignment between our two states. In particular, it is important to unify our foreign policy and our cooperation in defending the independence achieved with so many sacrifices of the Republic of Kosovo and the sovereignty of our state, as well as our continued cooperation in protecting the rights of Albanians, regardless of where they live. Albanians in Preshevë, Medvegjë and Bujanoc are looking towards us. Their rights are constantly being flagrantly violated while the democratic world turns a blind eye to these violations. We must raise our voices more than ever before in order to stop these violations against the Albanian people who live in these territories. Meanwhile, as we speak and have gathered in this Assembly, there are still tendencies to shake the foundations on which North Macedonia was built, that is, to destabilize this country by taking away the already acquired rights of the Albanians living in this state, as a constituent nation of North Macedonia. We must neither remain silent nor close our eyes to these clear tendencies. Honourable Speakers of the Assemblies, Prime Ministers, Deputies Honourable Citizens, For Kosovo, Albania has always been more than a sister state. Albania has been a steadfast ally, standing by us at every step of our journey – since the days of war and liberation and at every step of building our free and sovereign state. Even today, Albania remains a strong pillar of our support. For this, the people of Kosovo will always be grateful. At this joint meeting of the two parliaments, I express my deep appreciation to all the MP’s whose work is also vital for the prosperity of our states. Your dedication to democracy, progress and the well-being of our citizens is a testament to the unity and strength of our people. The voice of the deputies of Albania, whether in the Council of Europe – the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, but also in every other country, is more than appreciated by the people of Kosovo, and we are eternally grateful to you. The success of Kosovo and Albania is a tribute to our painful past, an obligation to ourselves and our citizens, and to our common European future. I extend my warmest congratulations to the citizens of Kosovo and Albania at this end of
The Regional Center of Excellence for Women, Peace and Security in Kosovo, together with the Georgetown University Institute for Women, Peace and Security (GIWPS), launched a series of virtual meetings at the regional level
The Regional Center of Excellence for Women, Peace and Security in Kosovo, together with GIWPS, and with the support of the Office of the U.S. Secretary of State for Global Women’s Affairs, held the first regional meeting at the Western Balkans level on the Women, Peace and Security Index, which is compiled by GIWPS and the PRIO Center for Gender, Peace and Security. The meeting brought together representatives from 6 Western Balkan countries and had the main purpose of presenting the methodology, structure and current rankings of the Women, Peace and Security Index. The meeting also served as a platform for participants to discuss the challenges associated with conducting such assessments and to explore possible strategies to improve the rankings of countries currently at the bottom of the index. As part of the partnership between the Regional Center of Excellence in Kosovo and GIWPS, such meetings will be held continuously throughout 2025.
President Osmani in Brussels meets with EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos
Yesterday, the President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, during her visit to Brussels met with the new EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos. During the meeting, they discussed Kosovo’s reforms and progress in the fields of democracy, rule of law, and security. President Osmani emphasized the importance of advancing Kosovo’s application to the EU, the immediate lifting of EU measures against Kosovo that are harming citizens, and emphasized the importance of accountability for the terrorist attacks and the act of aggression last year.
President Osmani receives in a meeting the President of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, hosted today for a working lunch the President of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar. Speaking about bilateral relations with Slovenia, President Osmani emphasized that Slovenia is one of Kosovo’s closest allies and friends, whose continuous support has played an important role in strengthening Kosovo’s international position. President Osmani informed President Musar about the recent developments in the field of security, Kosovo’s unwavering commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration, and the continuous deepening of its relationship with Slovenia. On this occasion, President Osmani also expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the citizens of Kosovo for the Slovenian troops serving within KFOR, whom President Musar visited last night on the occasion of the end-of-year holidays.
President Osmani awarded the Order of Independence (post mortem) to the late President of the Belgian Senate, Anne Marie Lizin
During the working visit to Belgium of the President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, a ceremony was organized at the Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo to present the Presidential Order to the late Speaker of the Belgian Senate, Anne Marie Lizin. On this occasion, President Osmani presented the Order of Independence (post mortem) to Mrs. Lizin’s husband. In the presence of family and close friends, President Osmani emphasized that this is only a testament to her unwavering commitment to the values of freedom, democracy and independence of Kosovo. “The extraordinary contributions of Anne Marie Lizin have left an indelible mark on our nation and that her dedication to our people will never be forgotten,” potentiated President Osmani. “Although she is no longer with us, her spirit and work continue to inspire us as we build a stronger Kosovo,” stated President Osmani.