President Vjosa Osmani met with the Advocacy Group for the Protection of Women
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani received today the members of the Advocacy Group for the Protection of Women, a non-formal group consisting of 12 non-governmental organizations, which includes organizations from vulnerable groups, shelters in Kosovo, as well as organizations that aim to engage in the promotion of human rights and the prevention of domestic violence. President Osmani was informed in greater detail with the challenges that women are facing in Kosovo, and the ongoing need for the continuous completion of the legal framework that guarantees protection for victims of domestic violence and gender-based violence. In this context, President Osmani expressed her willingness and readiness to the further cooperation and close coordination with organizations in this direction and in other areas that guarantee the protection and advancement of women’s rights in the country.
President Osmani’s address at the reception organized by the Embassy of Albania, on the occasion of the 111th anniversary of the declaration of independence of Albania
Thank you very much dear Ambassador Malaj, it is a special pleasure that today we are all united to mark this great celebration. Honourable Prime Minister Kurti, Honourable ministers, MPs, Honourable Minister Spiropali, Honourable guests, Honourable leaders of political parties, President Sejdiu, and all of you present here today, Dear friends, I thank you very much once again for the invitation to celebrate together today and I feel very honoured and happy that on behalf of the people and the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo, I can convey to you the warmest congratulations on the occasion of November 28th, Independence Day of the Republic of Albania. I would also like to express our best wishes for the well-being of the Albanian people and the further development and prosperity of our dear Albania. November 28th marks the day of Albania’s independence and its recognition as a state, which brought to fruition the aspirations of the renaissance for an independent state. However, this date brings back to the historical memory of Albanians another November 28th, that of 1443, when Gjergj Kastrioti raised the flag in Krujë and paved the way not only to the unification of Albanians around the idea of freedom and independent life, but also announced the first European integration project, in which the Albanians not only took part, but also bore its stamp. Today, the Albanian state embodies this historical tradition, together with Albanians wherever they live, just as it embodies the European integration project, life in peace with oneself and its neighbors, love for the land and the will for integration. In the new history of Kosovo, meanwhile, this date marks the first public appearance of the KLA and the opening of a new chapter in the battle for the freedom of Kosovo, which also followed the very strong tradition of the internationalization of the Kosovo issue and active resistance to the oppressive Serbian hegemony, but it also marks the birthday of our national hero Adem Jashari, our legendary hero. As on every other November 28th, today we remember these sacrifices and rejoice greatly at the achievements of the Albanian democratic state and the Albanian society in general. During the 111 years of its existence as an independent state, the Republic of Albania has developed into a modern state, which promotes the rights and fundamental freedoms of its citizens and their economic and cultural well-being, transforming the Albanian society towards a society which promotes and nurtures human progress and stimulates love for common values. It has traversed through difficult times, but has risen again, because the foundations of its early civilization have remained unbroken; it has gone through political systems and regimes, including the communist hell, which brought the country almost 50 years of isolation, but it has survived as a free country because the citizens of Albania have dreamed of freedom and have strongly devoted themselves to it. Its free spirit has breathed on the universal civilizational values and on the national spiritual wealth, which gave spirit and soul to the determination to its freedom. Today, Albania is a democratic country, which promotes the values of freedom and our ancient civilization, the principles of freedom and human and civil rights, promotes culture and diversity and is strongly determined on its European integration path, getting closer each and every day to the EU. And as a member for years of the strongest military alliance in the history of mankind, NATO, it is not only strongly committed to guaranteeing the country’s security, but is also strongly contributing to peace and stability in our entire region. Honourable participants! Our two countries, the Republic of Kosovo and that of Albania, are today developing alongside each other, exchanging experiences, knowledge, and supporting each other. We have the same goals: integration into the European Union, and the further consolidation of our countries. Kosovo and Albania are part of a common journey towards Euro-Atlantic integration. We share a strong and common desire to help each other achieve our goals and make this region a better place for everyone. Today we are proud of our joint achievements. Both Kosovo and Albania have gone through great challenges, but we have also made significant progress. Our cooperation in terms of protecting territorial integrity, economic development and strengthening institutions is essential for a more stable and developed region. Our common policies and the building of a common culture of cooperation are the foundations that support our successful way forward. Let’s continue this legacy with care and responsibility, building a brighter future for future generations. Independence is not only a privilege, but a responsibility to preserve and further develop what we have inherited. Today, we have an obligation to work together to ensure a better future for the generations that come after us. Let’s honour this day by dedicating ourselves to a brighter future and carefully preserving what we have built with effort and sacrifices. I am sure that the spirit of cooperation between our two countries will deepen even further and we will get closer and closer to each other and together we will make a valuable contribution to the promotion of democratic life in our region and we will walk alongside each other in promoting freedom and its principles, upon which we have traditionally based our politics. Happy November 28th! May God bless the Republic of Albania and the Republic of Kosovo!
President Osmani’s address at the reception organized by the Embassy of Albania, on the occasion of the 111th anniversary of the declaration of independence of Albania
Thank you very much dear Ambassador Malaj, it is a special pleasure that today we are all united to mark this great celebration. Honourable Prime Minister Kurti, Honourable ministers, MPs, Honourable Minister Spiropali, Honourable guests, Honourable leaders of political parties, President Sejdiu, and all of you present here today, Dear friends, I thank you very much once again for the invitation to celebrate together today and I feel very honoured and happy that on behalf of the people and the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo, I can convey to you the warmest congratulations on the occasion of November 28th, Independence Day of the Republic of Albania. I would also like to express our best wishes for the well-being of the Albanian people and the further development and prosperity of our dear Albania. November 28th marks the day of Albania’s independence and its recognition as a state, which brought to fruition the aspirations of the renaissance for an independent state. However, this date brings back to the historical memory of Albanians another November 28th, that of 1443, when Gjergj Kastrioti raised the flag in Krujë and paved the way not only to the unification of Albanians around the idea of freedom and independent life, but also announced the first European integration project, in which the Albanians not only took part, but also bore its stamp. Today, the Albanian state embodies this historical tradition, together with Albanians wherever they live, just as it embodies the European integration project, life in peace with oneself and its neighbors, love for the land and the will for integration. In the new history of Kosovo, meanwhile, this date marks the first public appearance of the KLA and the opening of a new chapter in the battle for the freedom of Kosovo, which also followed the very strong tradition of the internationalization of the Kosovo issue and active resistance to the oppressive Serbian hegemony, but it also marks the birthday of our national hero Adem Jashari, our legendary hero. As on every other November 28th, today we remember these sacrifices and rejoice greatly at the achievements of the Albanian democratic state and the Albanian society in general. During the 111 years of its existence as an independent state, the Republic of Albania has developed into a modern state, which promotes the rights and fundamental freedoms of its citizens and their economic and cultural well-being, transforming the Albanian society towards a society which promotes and nurtures human progress and stimulates love for common values. It has traversed through difficult times, but has risen again, because the foundations of its early civilization have remained unbroken; it has gone through political systems and regimes, including the communist hell, which brought the country almost 50 years of isolation, but it has survived as a free country because the citizens of Albania have dreamed of freedom and have strongly devoted themselves to it. Its free spirit has breathed on the universal civilizational values and on the national spiritual wealth, which gave spirit and soul to the determination to its freedom. Today, Albania is a democratic country, which promotes the values of freedom and our ancient civilization, the principles of freedom and human and civil rights, promotes culture and diversity and is strongly determined on its European integration path, getting closer each and every day to the EU. And as a member for years of the strongest military alliance in the history of mankind, NATO, it is not only strongly committed to guaranteeing the country’s security, but is also strongly contributing to peace and stability in our entire region. Honourable participants! Our two countries, the Republic of Kosovo and that of Albania, are today developing alongside each other, exchanging experiences, knowledge, and supporting each other. We have the same goals: integration into the European Union, and the further consolidation of our countries. Kosovo and Albania are part of a common journey towards Euro-Atlantic integration. We share a strong and common desire to help each other achieve our goals and make this region a better place for everyone. Today we are proud of our joint achievements. Both Kosovo and Albania have gone through great challenges, but we have also made significant progress. Our cooperation in terms of protecting territorial integrity, economic development and strengthening institutions is essential for a more stable and developed region. Our common policies and the building of a common culture of cooperation are the foundations that support our successful way forward. Let’s continue this legacy with care and responsibility, building a brighter future for future generations. Independence is not only a privilege, but a responsibility to preserve and further develop what we have inherited. Today, we have an obligation to work together to ensure a better future for the generations that come after us. Let’s honour this day by dedicating ourselves to a brighter future and carefully preserving what we have built with effort and sacrifices. I am sure that the spirit of cooperation between our two countries will deepen even further and we will get closer and closer to each other and together we will make a valuable contribution to the promotion of democratic life in our region and we will walk alongside each other in promoting freedom and its principles, upon which we have traditionally based our politics. Happy November 28th! May God bless the Republic of Albania and the Republic of Kosovo!
President Osmani participated in the awarding of the “Vasfije Courage Award”, on the 24th anniversary of the establishment of the Kosovar Center for the Rehabilitation of Torture Survivors
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, visited the Kosovo Center for the Rehabilitation of Torture Survivors, on the 24th anniversary of its establishment. On this occasion, the “Vasfije Courage Award” was awarded post-mortem to Dr. Shukri Gërxhaliu, for his dedication and contribution to the rehabilitation and treatment of survivors of sexual violence during the last war in Kosovo. In a conversation with other participants, President Osmani said that the anniversary of the Center brought us together, but as a matter of fact we are always together “We are always together in a war that continues. It is a struggle to rise above a pain that is difficult to describe with words. It is a war to heal one of the deepest wounds that this society has”, said President Osmani. President Osmani stated that when one talks to the survivors and when faced with these stories and sees with what extraordinary courage the women and men of Kosovo have transformed into heroes and heroines of this country, there is no way not to uplift us in order to increase our joint efforts to make sure that our fight for justice, above all our fight for justice continues and above all that it pays off. “We recently had the first case that was confirmed in our courts with the conviction of one of the most notorious criminals involved in rape, in addition to the other crimes he has committed and there are other cases for which indictments have been filed. But it is very important that the efforts of justice institutions increase and continue so that those who have committed these monstrous crimes face justice” emphasized Madam President. While the work of these institutions continues, President Osmani added that each and every one of us must make sure that we raise our voices here in Kosovo and in every corner of the world, so that the world knows about this pain transformed into strength of women and men of Kosovo, and according to her, a voice that most have heard through Vasfije, who has become a symbol of survivors everywhere in the world and continues this work to this day. Madam President said that we will increase our joint efforts for the world to hear about the survivors of the Republic of Kosovo, that the world can learn from their courage, but also to see how we can continue our common cause for justice. “As Speaker of the Assembly initially, then as President one of my main priorities has been to increase the financial support, and what may seem symbolic, but support is shown for the survivors through the Corner of Courage, even making sure that the symbols , the handiwork of survivors are in every corner of the world, on every continent, at every desk, in every world office, but also making sure that their stories are heard up to the United Nations, the European Parliament and every other institution” said the President. President Osmani also spoke about the contribution of Dr. Shukri Gërxhaliu, who has carried out extraordinary work since the very beginning of the war, never mentioning his work in support of women victims in a region where there is so much many victims. “I had the pleasure last year to, in honor of Independence Day, award him the highest Presidential Medal, the Presidential Medal of Merit, for his outstanding contribution to the defense of the truth and the protection of survivors at a time when perhaps many of them did not have any doors left open to them. And during those difficult moments, which might have been the most difficult ones in the lives of these women and men, having a door to knock on, where you can seek healing is extraordinary. Because, many people have probably started to fight the stigma, provide support at a later time period . But in the years ’98-99, there were very few doors available, very few people, very few voices were providing support. Doctor Shukriu and others around the world who have given this support are been extraordinary, it is difficult to describe in words, therefore all due honor, all our respect to them, which will continue until eternity,” said President Osmani.
President Osmani received NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani received today the NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Madam President’s full post: The visit by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg comes at a defining moment for peace and security, not only in the region but throughout our continent. Kosovo is determined on its future, therefore in today’s meeting, I reiterated the utmost importance of NATO membership, starting with the inclusion of our country in the Partnership for Peace. In a region challenged by Serbia’s destabilizing plans, cooperation with our NATO allies is essential in ensuring long-term peace and security in the region and beyond.
President Osmani and the Mayor of Lisbon Carlo Moedas together unveiled the statue of the Albanian saint, Saint Tereza
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, together with the mayor of the city of Lisbon Carlo Moedas, unveiled the statue of the Albanian saint, Saint Tereza, in the center of the city of Lisbon, Portugal. Madam President’s full post: Now in downtown Lisbon, Portugal as well. Together with the mayor of the city of Lisbon Carlo Moedas, we unveiled the statue of the Albanian saint, Saint Teresa. This statue is not just a work of art but above all, a bridge that connects us to the perpetual ideal of selfless service and love for others. May this statue serve as a constant reminder of the greatest altruist mankind has ever known !
President Osmani is received by the Prime Minister of Portugal António Costa
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, during her working visit to Portugal, was received by Prime Minister António Costa. The relations between the two countries were assessed as very amicable, with President Osmani praising the support provided by Portugal to Kosovo since 1999, with the participation of soldiers in the KFOR mission, and also during the later stages of state formation and state building. Asking for Portugal’s further support on our country’s Euro-Atlantic path, President Osmani emphasized that it is not only Kosovo’s state interest but also the EU’s strategic interest that the Western Balkans, based on merit, take decisive steps towards membership, in order to contribute to the common goal of a whole, free and peaceful Europe. In this context, the President reiterated that it is necessary to take urgent steps for membership in NATO, starting with the Partnership for Peace, as a step that would contribute enormously to peace in the region and our continent. President Osmani informed Prime Minister Costa of the latest political and security developments in Kosovo, especially regarding Serbia’s aggression towards Kosovo and the need to address its responsibility for the destabilization of Kosovo and of the region. President Osmani also stressed that in the dialogue with Serbia, Kosovo continues to be a constructive party and that only mutual recognition is a condition for peace and stability in the region. The two interlocutors also discussed the possibilities for the expansion of cooperation in the field of foreign policy, the IT sector, economic and commercial exchange, education, as well as other areas of mutual interest.
President Osmani was received by the President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani was received by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa at the “Belem” Presidential Palace in Lisbon during her visit to Portugal. According to President Osmani, her second visit to this country is evidence of excellent bilateral relations, which are already in a dynamic phase with a focus on intensifying cooperation in all relevant fields. President Osmani’s visit coincides with the 15th anniversary of the recognition of Kosovo by Portugal and the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. “This is an important and historic moment to express gratitude to the state and people of Portugal for the contribution made over the years. This support has greatly influenced the advancement of our primary goals in the path of Euro-Atlantic integrations, the strengthening of regional peace and stability,” emphasized President Osmani. President Osmani also added that she sees Portugal as an amicable country within the European Union and beyond, and stated that she hopes for additional support for Kosovo’s membership in international organizations. In this context, Madam President thanked Portugal for its support in the visa liberalization process and for the membership in the Council of Europe and expressed hope that Portugal will also support the provision of EU candidate country status to our Republic. Part of the meeting was devoted to the latest political and security developments in Kosovo. President Osmani informed her counterpart De Sousa with the latest developments in the country, as well as with the act of aggression of Serbia against the Republic of Kosovo on September 24th, emphasizing the importance of bringing the Serbian paramilitary group to justice in Kosovo and addressing of Serbia’s responsibility in the destabilization of Kosovo and of the region. Madam president also said that in the dialogue process with Serbia, Kosovo is a constructive party and that the conclusion of this process through mutual recognition is the only way that will bring long-term peace in the region. President Osmani and President De Sousa also discussed the possibilities for the expansion of cooperation in spheres of mutual interest.
President Osmani departed on a working visit to Portugal
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani departed today on a working visit to Portugal. During her stay in this country, President Osmani will meet with the president of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and with the prime minister António Costa. Upon an invitation of the Web Summit, President Osmani will, accompanied by the delegation of Kosovar businesses in the field of ICT, be addressing this summit, which is considered as the main technology event in the world. As part of the visit to Portugal, President Osmani and the mayor of Lisbon Carlo Moedas will inaugurate the statue of Mother Teresa, placed in the centre of the Portuguese capital.
President Vjosa Osmani’s address at the grant signing ceremony for 53 businesses owned by women and non-majority communities, organized by USAID
Honourable Ms. Alyson Grunder, Charge d’Affaires at the US Embassy, Honourable Ms. Devitt, USAID Mission in Kosovo Director, Honourable Ms. Mahmuti, CDF Director, Honourable entrepreneurs, It is always a special honor when we gather together at events that focus on women and their continued successes. This event is truly a reflection of our shared commitment to economic inclusion, to empowering both women and non-majority community entrepreneurs. In the area of economic growth and development, women’s empowerment stands as a cornerstone of our overall progress. The achievements of women entrepreneurs in Kosovo are not only individual successes; they are collective achievements that elevate and empower our entire society. These extraordinary women are breaking down barriers in traditionally male-dominated sectors, pioneering innovative practices and setting new quality standards. Their achievements are reshaping the business sector, contributing to a culture of equality and inclusion. It has already been widely confirmed that women not only empower their businesses and families, but also contribute significantly to the improvement of the economic and social structure of our state. Therefore, our commitment to support women in business and to support all communities towards the same goal remains unwavering. We intend to provide more opportunities, resources and platforms for everyone to fully capitalize on their economic potential, because this is not only an investment in individuals, but it is the wisest investment for the future of our Republic. While many of the women-owned businesses were forced to close as a result of the pandemic we left behind, the fact that today we are witnessing a new wave of new businesses owned and managed by women is hopeful indeed. This attitude speaks volumes about your strength and determination in our job market, but also in every sphere of life in general. Today, as I stand before you, I also want to talk about USAID’s continuous and valuable engagement. USAID’s projects have touched every aspect of life in Kosovo, laying the foundations for a more sustainable future with greater well-being for all our citizens, without distinction. Our partnership with USAID is more than just a collaboration; it is a joint journey towards building a stronger, more inclusive and more prosperous Kosovo. It is a proof of the steadfast bond between the Republic of Kosovo and the United States of America, and at the same time it is a proof of our common commitment to further strengthen this partnership. Therefore, for this continued support, we are forever grateful. USAID’s allocation of grants to 53 women-owned businesses and businesses led by women and men from non-majority communities is more than just a financial investment. It is a sign of confidence in the extraordinary abilities of our entrepreneurs. These funds will serve as a catalyst for further growth, innovation and sustainability in each of these vital sectors of our economy. Ladies and gentlemen, Our vision is one where every entrepreneur, regardless of differences, has the opportunity to contribute towards the increased prosperity of our country. We are working towards a future where these businesses not only survive, but are leaders in their fields, both in Kosovo and beyond our borders. In recent years, we have witnessed a significant growth of Kosovo businesses, many of them owned by women who are reaping continued success in international markets. These successes span a wide range of sectors, from our excellent wines now being enjoyed in various capitals around the world to our agricultural products being recognized in foreign markets for their quality. Each of these successes is evidence of the entrepreneurial, innovative and hopeful spirit of Kosovo and the extraordinary potential of our businesses. In this regard, USAID’s support has been and continues to be essential. To all the grant winners present here today, I express my heartfelt congratulations. It is your hard work, dedication and entrepreneurial spirit that have brought you this far. I am convinced that through these grants, you will be able to continue your work with dedication, which serves as a catalyst for transformative economic change throughout our country. Honourable participants, As we look to the future, let’s not forget that our journey towards economic inclusion and equality is an ongoing process. Every step we take, no matter how big, is a step towards a brighter, more equal and more prosperous future for our Republic. So let us continue to work side by side, supporting and uplifting each other and especially those most in need, as we aim to fulfill this shared vision. Thank you.