President Osmani on a working visit to Canada – represents Kosovo at the Halifax International Security Forum
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, has departed for Canada on a working visit. She will represent Kosovo at the Halifax International Security Forum. President Osmani will address a high-level panel at this forum titled “The Era of Optimism—Now It’s Up to Us.” President Osmani’s agenda during her visit to Halifax also includes a series of bilateral meetings with senior Canadian officials and representatives of other countries. President Osmani will also deliver a lecture to students and meet with representatives of the diaspora in Halifax. The Halifax International Security Forum is an annual event that brings together decision-makers in search of solutions to issues in the global security sphere.
President Osmani received in a farewell meeting the Ambassador of Bulgaria Hristo Gudjev
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani received in a farewell meeting the Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Kosovo, Hristo Gudjev. At the meeting, President Osmani thanked Ambassador Gudjev for his engagement and dedication during his mandate, highly appreciating his contribution to strengthening of bilateral relations between Kosovo and Bulgaria. President Osmani emphasized the importance of the close partnership between the two states, which has contributed to the advancement of cooperation in various fields, such as economy, education, culture and diplomatic support. Furthermore, President Osmani stressed the need for continued Bulgarian support in the Euro-Atlantic path and in strengthening of Kosovo’s international position.
President Osmani received the USAID Assistant Administrator Erin McKee
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani met with the Assistant Administrator in the Bureau of Europe and Eurasia at USAID, Ambassador Erin McKee, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the partnership and cooperation between USAID and the people of Kosovo. President Osmani congratulated USAID for the 25-years long friendship and unwavering support to Kosovo. According to President Osmani, USAID’s mission over the past quarter-century has been vital in empowering youth, women, investing in, and building of institutions that support justice, equality, and opportunities for all. “The USAID transformative legacy is evident in every corner of Kosovo, from strengthening institutions to sustainable economic growth and advancing democratic principles,” emphasized President Osmani. In this context, President Osmani expressed deep gratitude for USAID’s extraordinary contribution, including an investment of over 1 billion dollars in various sectors for Kosovo’s progress. President Osmani also highlighted the importance of continuing support for projects in the field of justice and the fight against corruption, as well as projects for the economic empowerment of women, reaffirming the Presidency’s commitment to supporting these projects to the benefit of all citizens of Kosovo.
The annual address of President Vjosa Osmani to the members of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo
President Osmanis address to the Members of the Assembly of Kosovo November 21st 2024 Honorable Speaker of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Konjufca, Honorable Prime Minister Kurti and the government cabinet, Honorable Members of the Assembly, Honorable Ambassadors, Representatives of Security Institutions, Honorable Guests, Dear Citizens of our Republic, I am addressing you for the fourth consecutive year from the rostrum of this Assembly, in the role of Head of State, in which capacity I am committed to representing the citizens with dignity and will always remain committed to ensuring that we always emerge from this journey victorious. Representing my country, in addition to it being the greatest honor of my life, is also the embodiment of the trust of the citizens, reminding us day after day of the responsibility we have not to exalt ourselves, but to exalt the state! We are here with a mission to lead our country forward, to strengthen our statehood more and more, to increase alliances and to be the eyes and the ears, and act as support to every citizen of ours. The moment when we can say that we have truly succeeded is the moment when our citizens will say: We are proud of our country for the values it represents, as well as for the opportunities and inclusiveness it offers—and not because of any person or political group. This is the greatest honor we can bestow to our Kosovo. Traversing the path that led to the state we enjoy today has not been easy at all. Our people have lost even the most precious, including children in their cradles, so that today we can breathe freely. The combination of the vision of the Ibrahim Rugova – Adem Jashari binome, through the KLA liberation war on the one hand, and the building of the state by strengthening alliances on the other, made the foundations of our state strong, very strong, so strong that no force and no challenge can ever destroy them. Today, as always, we honor the vision of the founding father of our Republic, President Ibrahim Rugova, and we bow before the sacrifice and unparalleled courage of the legendary Commander Adem Jashari, the Jashari family, and each member of the Kosovo Liberation Army. The values of truth, justice, and human dignity lie at the foundations of our state, and therefore remain central and determinative to our future. This does not mean, however, that there will not be continuous attacks on the pillars of our state. But we must always stand united in defence of these pillars, which have also inspired our constitution, which today stands as the most modern and advanced constitution in Europe in terms of freedoms and human rights, and in particular the rights of non-majority communities. Therefore, today, more than ever, we need what is known as constitutional patriotism, which goes beyond political divisions and returns to the foundation of our statehood. It is this kind of patriotism that unites us, not because we always share the same thoughts, but because we believe in a future built on the values and principles that unite us and because our people have always known how to unite in defense of a homeland built with so much sacrifice. At the core of constitutional patriotism is the belief that our constitution is more than just a legal document—it is a social contract that embodies our high aiming ideals and aspirations. It guarantees freedom, justice, and equality before the law for all citizens, regardless of their differences. These principles are not only legal obligations, but also acts of patriotism that strengthen the foundations of our state. In these turbulent times for the whole world, when fragmentation and discord are becoming increasingly evident, our loyalty to the principles of our constitution is what should unite us. This form of patriotism transforms individual obligation into a civic duty, in the function of protection of our democratic order, in the function of protection of every inch of our Republic. Today, security is an essential prerequisite for increased well-being, economic development, and individual and collective dignity. In this journey, what best demonstrates the development and maturity of our state is the moment when we ensure that our policies reflect what is right, not what is politically convenient, what is right, not what sounds good, what is in the long-term national interest, not in the interest of the votes of a single party, what elevates our state, not just the numbers in the polls. A far-sighted vision is what has always distinguished true leaders, not only in Kosovo, but everywhere in the world. Honourable citizens, As a foreign policy leader, throughout this year I have worked to exalt the name of Kosovo and make it heard where it has never been heard before. I have worked to expand alliances and partnerships with countries near and far. I have engaged in demonstrating that Kosovo is the best example of what happens when democracies stand united. Throughout the months of this year, as I have done every day since the first day of my mandate, I have worked diligently towards strengthening our statehood, preserving peace and stability, strengthening alliances and striving to strengthen Kosovo’s position in the international arena. Our state, although young, has made important steps on the global stage, defined by strategic alliances and an unwavering commitment to universal rights and democratic values. Our relations with the United States of America, as well as with other partners in Europe and beyond, reaffirm our role as a proactive force for peace and development in our region and beyond. Our active participation in international summits and forums has increasingly strengthened Kosovo’s voice on the international stage. For the first time in history, Kosovo has been invited to summits and organizations of which it is not a member, such as the NATO summit in the United States of America, but also other international organizations where we proved that the importance of a state is not simply
Madam President: Heroines like Vasfije and Shyrete and many other women inspire us with their courage, reminding us to continuously fight for justice
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani participated today in the discussion table on the survivors of sexual violence during the war in Kosovo, organized by the Institution of the Ombudsman. “At the round table organized by the Institution of the Ombudsman, I emphasized that the survivors of sexual violence during the war in Kosovo embody resilience and the indomitable human spirit. Heroines like Vasfije and Shyrete and many other women inspire us with their courage, reminding us to continuously fight for justice,anytime and anyplace” wrote President Osmani.
The Working Group on Gender Equality established within the Council for Democracy and Human Rights held its meeting
The Working Group on Gender Equality established within the Council for Democracy and Human Rights held its meeting, in which the last two collaborations with the Office of the President of the Republic of Kosovo were presented, specifically one with the Canadian Government through the TAP-EDM program and the other one with the International Republican Institute (IRI). During the meeting, the experts engaged by the TAP-EDM project presented the main goal of the cooperation with the Office of the President of the Republic of Kosovo, along with the results that are expected to be achieved by the end of this partnership. The main goal of the partnership between the Office of the President and the Government of Canada is to build internationally recognized data-based systems to address gender-based violence. These data systems will help identify evidence-based policies, therefore the goal is for policies addressing gender-based violence to be as efficient and fair as possible. In continuation of the meeting, as part of the partnership with IRI and together with the experts engaged by them, the members of the Group discussed priority areas where there is a need for advancement in gender equality, such as women’s participation in political and public life, gender-conscious budgeting, culture, education, judiciary, and other important areas. This partnership, which is in its second phase, includes reviewing laws and policies that directly affect the lives and active participation of women in these areas and proposing changes to ensure equal opportunities and participation of women in all aspects of the social and political life of Kosovo. At the end of the meeting, members discussed various topics of common interest with a focus on gender equality in Kosovo.
President Osmani returns the Law on the Kosovo Security Council and the Law on Consumer Protection to the Assembly of Kosovo for reconsideration
Based on her constitutional powers, President Osmani has used the right to veto, thus returning the two laws for reconsideration to the Assembly of Kosovo: The Law on the Security Council has been returned because, in its current content, it endangers national security and is in contravention of the Constitution. Meanwhile, the Consumer Protection Law has been returned due to certain provisions that endanger the protection of the environment and the healthcare of citizens, rights guaranteed by the Constitution. In addition, please find attached the documents with the relevant justifications (in Albanian language). Vendimi nr. 37-2024, Kthimi për rishqyrtim i Ligjit për Këshillin e Sigurisë Vendimi nr. 38-2024, Kthimi për rishqyrtim i Ligjit për Mbrojtjen e Konsumatorit
President Vjosa Osmani ‘s address at the discussion table on the survivors of sexual violence during the war in Kosovo, organized by the Ombudsperson Institution
President Osmani at a working lunch with the Ambassadors of the member states of the European Union and neighboring countries
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani participated today in a working lunch with the Ambassadors of the member states of the European Union and neighboring countries. “Today at a working lunch with the ambassadors of the member states of the European Union and neighboring countries, organised by the Hungarian presidency, discussing the next steps to accelerate the integration of our country in the EU” wrote President Osmani.
President Osmani’s speech at the closing ceremony of the mentoring and scholarship program for young female engineers
President Vjosa Osmani’s speech at the closing ceremony of the mentoring and scholarship program for young female engineers, supported by KOSTT, the Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, as well as the Organization of Women in Energy and Mining.