President Osmani’s address at the Tech Park, at the inauguration of the innovative car sales project Carvago, created by the “Gjirafa” company
Honourable Prime Minister Kurti, Honourable Ambassador Mazanek, Honourable Mr. Cahani, Dear guests from Kosovo and the Czechia, It is a real pleasure to be among you to promote an innovative product of the “Gjirafa” company, which has already become an identifying sign of our country in many European countries and beyond. This reflects the real Kosovo, which is dominated by innovative young men and women, who are each day more and more becoming the image of our state and who are representing us in the best possible way. “Gjirafa” is one of those success stories, which is no longer just ours. It is a European company. This shows that Kosovo can offer Europe more, so our ambition, as it has always been, is to be part of the European Union, where we have belong. Innovation has a substantive role for the development of our economy and for the improvement of citizens’ lives. The innovative Carvago car sale market will benefit not only our state, but will also directly affect the lives of our citizens. Carvago is an innovation for the car market. It is a benefit in time, improvement in quality and efficiency. Kosovo is interested in connecting as much as possible with the European market, so Carvago is just one of the platforms that enables such a thing. This platform expands opportunities for consumers, but also opens new opportunities for businesses to develop in an increasingly globalized economy. This is the transformative power of innovation, which undoubtedly drives positive change in our economy and society. As a state that aspires to expand its economic ties with Europe, it is necessary for Kosovo to use innovation and digitization in order to increase competition. The impact of innovative ideas and enterprises extends beyond economic impact, as they serve as catalysts for social change as well. These enterprises and initiatives are the main drivers for the creation of new jobs and economic empowerment, providing opportunities for individuals and companies to realize their full potential and then contribute to the significant economic growth of our country. We need a Kosovo that is as powerful economically and as interactive with the European market as possible. That is why we also see private business, all businesses that interact in Kosovo as catalysts of this economic empowerment. Our country, as you know, has infrastructure that facilitates the circulation of goods, services and people between our region and the entire European continent. From modernizing transport corridors to improving digital infrastructure. Such investments have helped to eliminate barriers to trade and open new avenues for cooperation and economic exchange. It is a great pleasure that today this cooperation is also deepening our partnership with a state that has always stood by the Republic of Kosovo, that is, with Czechia, which is not only a catalyst for economic cooperation, but has been the main catalyst that today our young people walk freely in other European countries through the liberalization of visas, for which I want to thank them once again for that extraordinary contribution. I wish the “Gjirafa” company success with the newest innovative project and I encourage all Kosovar businesses to follow this path, occupying as much space as possible in the European market, showing the true image of our Republic, which is your image. So you are the best and most brilliant reflection of our Republic. Thank you very much for the invitation!
President Vjosa Osmani’s address at the state reception held in honour of the 16th anniversary of independence
Honourable President Begaj, Honourable First Lady Armanda Begaj, Honourable Speaker of the Assembly Mr. Konjufca Honourable Prime Minister Kurti and members of the government cabinet, Honourable Deputy Prime Minister Gjeloshaj, Honourable ambassadors, representatives of amicable countries, Honourable former President Sejdiu, Dear representatives from all over Kosovo, including local government representatives, Honourable brothers and sisters from Albania, from Preshevë, Medvegjë and Bujanoc, from North Macedonia, from Montenegro and beyond, Ladies and gentlemen, It is a special pleasure to see you in such a magnificent number on the occasion of the celebration of the 16th anniversary of the independence of our Republic! I am truly happy to stand before you at this celebratory ceremony on a day and a time when our hearts are filled with pride and gratitude. Sixteen years ago, we took a historic step towards the strengthening of our freedom, opening a new chapter that was crowned with the proclamation of the Republic of Kosovo. February 17th will always be remembered as a historic turning point and a chapter of joy in the modern history of our country, but it is also an annual reminder of the heavy burden of responsibility that rests on our shoulders, a duty to build and nurture a state based on the principles of freedom, democracy and justice. Our journey so far was anything, but an easy one. The peaceful resistance over the years led by the architect of our state, the historical president Ibrahim Rugova, followed by the armed resistance by commander-in-chief Adem Jashari with his family and the Kosovo Liberation Army, is the result of the resistance inherited through generations, but also of the high awareness that the price of freedom is the most expensive, but also the most precious. For this very reason, we honor today the memory, work and legacy of our heroines and heroes, because their sublime sacrifice gave life to the Kosovo of our days. We are also proud that in this journey of ours for an independent state, we had the continuous support of our international allies, especially the United States of America and European countries. As in our darkest days, they stood by us even in the challenging journey of nation-building. The success of Kosovo is also the success of our partners and allies. Therefore, as long as we move forward with a clear vision for the Euro-Atlantic future, alliances remain crucial, partnerships are deeply important, and cooperation is the key that brings us closer to the most worthy and promising future. Thank you to the United States of America, thank you to NATO and thank you to all the amicable countries which in 1999 were on our side, on the right side of history, protecting us from extermination, from the genocidal Serbian regime! As important as allies were when we fulfilled our dream of freedom and state, they are just as important today as we commit and work hard to protect our freedom, our state and our future. At these challenging times for Europe and the entire globe, only together can we face all the challenges. Ladies and gentlemen, Dear friends, The foundations of the Republic of Kosovo rest on a commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law. We have worked hard and diligently to build institutions that reflect these values, institutions that are accountable to citizens without distinction and that serve their interests above all. Despite the challenges, our conviction is unwavering: Kosovo is worthy and deserves its place in the heart of the Euro-Atlantic family. Although it can not always be seen clearly, each of our days is a step closer to making this dream of our people a reality. Our state embodies our common aspirations, struggles and triumphs. It is a testament to the heroism of those who dared to challenge tyranny and pave the way for our unfettered today and our brighter tomorrow. Let us celebrate this day with pride, with the conviction that our journey to independence is a testament to the resilience of the spirit of our citizens. As we aim to protect freedom at all costs, to make the state even more powerful and integrated in the Euro-Atlantic structures, let us do this with unparalleled dedication and side by side with our friends and allies. Kosovo is above all! Happy 16th anniversary, our country! God bless our Republic and its friends!
President Vjosa Osmani’s address at the Solemn Session of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo on the occasion of the 16th anniversary of independence
Honourable Speaker of the Assembly Mr. Konjufca, Honourable Prime Minister Mr. Kurti, Honourable Ministers, Honourable Members of Parliament, Distinguished diplomatic representatives of amicable countries, Honourable former presidents and former prime ministers, Honourable Rugova family, Jashari family, families of martyrs, Representatives of security institutions, Dear citizens of our Republic, Happy 16th independence anniversary! It is a great honour for me, on this sixteenth birthday of our Republic, to address you from the pulpit of the temple of democracy, the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, and to congratulate the citizens of our Republic, who, today, with pride and joy celebrate the growth of our beloved Kosovo. February 17th is our greatest historical achievement, it is a reflection of our ideal, the ideal of our grandparents and great-grandparents, of entire generations over the centuries, to build a free and independent stat, in which freedoms and human rights, peace and harmony are essential to our success. Our new republic is consolidating each and every day, honouring its citizens and their name around the world. For the citizens of Kosovo, having a state has always been a sacrifice and an ideal. This ideal captured the hearts and, often times, even the lives of entire generations, of our fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers, our grandparents and great-grandparents, who gave immensely for this land and kept the flame of freedom burning for generations until ours. Well, we shall extend that further, because freedom means for us the very character of human existence. Dear citizens, February 17th, as much as it is a unique date for its historical weight, it is just as much a special date in the emotional plane, standing out as the day that unites us around one cause: love for the Republic and dedication to hallow its name. ! Our journey, marked by challenges and triumphs, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and is a story that continues to unfold with each and every passing day. Despite the centuries-old difficulties, we resisted and held our heads high with great pride and determination, not only presenting ourselves as an example of nation-building rooted in democratic values, but also vowing that each new day will find us better than the day before. preliminary. Sovereign Kosovo is proof of what can be achieved when the invincible will of citizens is united around a common goal. Therefore, let us rejoice in the happiness brought by the fact that we are now a free people, among free peoples, free citizens, in our country, on our land. Today, we bow initially to the generations who dedicated themselves to freedom. Let us remember them today. Let us unite our strength, our spirit, in memory of the founding fathers, the men and women, the sons and daughters of this land, who sacrificed everything; who did not give up, despite the fact that history dealt treacherously with them. It is time to look back and take a look at our journey, the steadfast effort for freedom and remember those who kept alive the ideal of the state and fought for it, from the great visionary and architect of independence, President Ibrahim Rugova, to the example of resistance and human sacrifice, the legendary Commander-in-Chief Adem Jashari. From the delegates of July 2nd to the representatives of the people who declared independence on February 17th. Above all, we remember the martyrs and martyrs of freedom, whose blood is the strongest foundation of our state. This is Kosovo, which never bowed down and kept alive the spirit of freedom and love for the country. Honourable Members of Parliament, At the heart of our journey lies the strength of our alliances. Therefore, today in a special way I want to thank our friends – the friends of freedom! You were with us throughout our journey; when we were denied every right, when we were cruelly oppressed and when we fought for freedom, when we were liberated and when we built our state and our democratic institutions and we have you by our side without any doubt even today in defense of the sovereignty of our borders and our democracy. Among these alliances, our alliance with the United States of America stands as the most powerful pillar of our statehood, while our journey towards the Euro-Atlantic institutions is irreplaceable. These partnerships, based on mutual respect and common values, have been and remain vital to the development of our state. These alliances remind us that our struggle for freedom, marked by the blood of all those who sacrificed in the most sublime way, is also distinguished by the unsparing and sacred support of those who share with us the common commitment to democracy, sovereignty and dignity. Let us never forget that Kosovo won not only because it had every right, not only because it was on the right side of history, but Kosovo also won because it acted wisely and built vision and alliances based on values. Dear citizens! In the life of states, 16 years is not much. However, during these years, Kosovo has developed and strengthened as a new state and has demonstrated democratic culture in the organization of political life and the functioning of democratic institutions. Our commitment to regional peace and cooperation remains unwavering. In a world increasingly affected by divisions, conflicts and polarizations, we must think how to rise above malicious forces and how to work together to improve the lives of our citizens every day. Our independence is not just a symbol of our sovereignty, but also a responsibility to continuously contribute to the promotion of democratic values, peace and security in the region and beyond. I wish that our efforts to build and nurture partnerships are always based on the conviction that security and lasting peace do not come alone, but always as a result of joint efforts with friends and allies. Therefore, let us diligently preserve the spirit of democracy and cooperation on which our Republic was built; to commit at all costs to
President Osmani: Today we mark the greatest historical achievement of our people
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, on the 16th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Kosovo, has participated in a number of activities. Initially, President Osmani participated at the national flag raising ceremony. On this occasion, President Osmani said that today we mark the greatest historical achievement of our people. “Today, we mark the greatest historical achievement of our people. We mark the day when our country was declared independent, sovereign, free and democratic. During these 16 years of our state, Kosovo has taken important steps forward and is determined to show the world that it has not only deserved its freedom and independence, but is also a contributor to peace, stability and security beyond its borders”, said President Osmani. Conveying her felicitations to all the citizens of the country on Independence Day, President Osmani said that each one of them has made a valuable contribution so that today we may enjoy our country. “I want to congratulate all the citizens of Kosovo, because each of them has made a valuable contribution so that today we may enjoy our country, but in particular I want to remember all those who gave their most precious, their lives, for us to live free today, all the martyrs of the nation, all the martyrs of our Republic”, said President Osmani. President Osmani also added that on this day we remember again the vision of the architect of independence, President Ibrahim Rugova and the unparalleled sacrifice, bravery and courage of the Jashari family and all the soldiers of the Kosovo Liberation Army led by the Legendary Commander-in-Chief, Adem Jashari. “Glory to all those who gave their lives for Kosovo, for the state that we enjoy and celebrate today and which will continue to move forward without ever taking a single step back,” said Madam President. Later on, President Osmani took part attended other activities as part of the celebrations of the 16th anniversary of independence. President Osmani paid tribute at the Monument of the Missing followed by tribute at the tomb of former President Dr. Ibrahim Rugova. President Osmani also paid tribute at the tomb of the activist Adem Demaçi and at the “Adem Jashari” Memorial Complex in Prekaz. In respect of this independence anniversary, President Osmani also paid tribute at the “Heroines” Monument, the Monument to Policemen who fell in the line of duty as well as at the plaque of children killed during the war.
President Osmani receives a congratulatory telegram from President Erdoğan
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, on the 16th anniversary of independence, received a congratulatory telegram from the President of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. In his letter, President Erdoğan expressed full confidence that the multifaceted amicable relations between Türkiye and Kosovo will continue to develop. Below is the full congratulatory letter sent by the President of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
On the 16th anniversary of independence, President Osmani received a congratulatory telegram from President Begaj: Albania stands by Kosovo in the face of any threat
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, on the 16th anniversary of independence, received a congratulatory telegram from the President of the Republic of Albania, Bajram Begaj. “Albania will always be by Kosovo’s side, at every step of its way to face any threat as well as on new memberships in international organizations,” said President Begaj in his congratulatory telegram. Below is the full congratulatory letter sent by President Begaj.
President Macron congratulates President Osmani on Independence Day: The place of the country of Kosovo will be within the European Union
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, on the occasion of the 16th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Kosovo, received a congratulatory letter from the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron. In the congratulatory letter sent to President Osmani, President Macron hails the dynamism of Kosovo and the impressive progress made since the declaration of independence, saying that the place of the country of Kosovo will be within the European Union. Below is the full congratulatory letter sent by President Macron.
President Osmani receives a congratulatory telegram from President Steinmeier: Germany will remain Kosovo’s reliable partner
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, on the occasion of the 16th anniversary of independence, received a congratulatory telegram from the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier. President Steinmeier said that Germany will remain a reliable and powerful partner of Kosovo in the future as well while emphasizing that it will support our country towards a peaceful, European future. Below is full congratulatory letter sent by the President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
President Osmani bestowed the “Saint Teresa” Presidential Medal to Dr. Wolfgang Schwinger and Dr. Emir Haxhija
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani bestowed with the “Saint Tereza” Presidential Medal “Saint Teresa”, with motivation for the unwavering engagement to the patients health care, the human spirit and the outstanding professional contribution in the field of pediatrics and pediatric hemato-oncology, to the doctors from Austria, Dr. Wolfgang Schwinger and Dr. Emir Haxhija. According to President Osmani, the engagements of these two healthcare professionals has affected the lives of children fighting cancer and leukemia. “As oncologists and hematologists, they have not only demonstrated exceptional medical professionalism, but above all an unparalleled humanity towards patients. These doctors have made a valuable contribution to their Kosovar colleagues, who were trained in Graz, Austria”, stated President Osmani. Dr. Schwinger and dr. Haxhija thanked President Osmani for the award and emphasized that this award is an additional motivation to continue further engagement in the professional and humanitarian sphere.
President Mattarella congratulates President Osmani: Italy will stand by Kosovo
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osman, on the occasion of February 17, Independence Day, received a congratulatory telegram from the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella. In his letter, President Mattarella states that Italy will stand by Kosovo in the consolidation of democratic institutions and its security. President Mattarella’s full congratulatory letter below: