Madam President: On KLA Veterans Day, we bow with great respect to the men and women who stood up when freedom was just a dream
Today, on the KLA Veterans Day, we bow with great respect to the men and women who stood up when freedom was just a dream. They became the shield of the people, the voice of the homeland and hope at the darkest of times. KLA veterans are proof that freedom is not given, but is earned with courage and sacrifice. Their journey to freedom was crowned with dignity and victory. Eternal glory to the nation’s martyrs. Eternal honor to the KLA veterans!
Today’s interview with President Osmani on Radio Free Europe regarding the electoral process and the way forward
Today’s media statement by President Vjosa Osmani
President Osmani: Go out and vote and give voice to your will!
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, and the First Gentleman, Prindon Sadriu, cast their votes today for the parliamentary elections at the Technical Faculty polling centre. President Osmani wrote: Go out and vote and give voice to your will! The more massive the participation, the clearer the path forward. Rapid constitution of the Assembly and the prompt creation of the Government are vital for the stability, security and development of the country.
President Osmani’s speech at the reception held for our sisters and brothers from the diaspora, in sign of gratitude for their extraordinary contribution to the homeland
Dearly beloved compatriots from the diaspora, dearly beloved sisters and brothers, Welcome home! There is truly a part of the homeland that does not always remain within the borders of the map, but the heart for the homeland beats even at thousands of kilometers away. There is a Kosovo that, in addition to our language of the heart, the Albanian language, speaks many other languages, that works in distant lands, but always keeps its thoughts and heart here. This Kosovo is our diaspora, a piece of the homeland that lives far and close at the same time, that never broke away, even when it was forced to leave. The honor of a nation is measured by those who stay close to the homeland even when they are physically far away. There are some people who never sought glory, but with their deeds they always gave the highest glory to the homeland. Such is our diaspora! The one that supported the country at the most difficult of times, and the one that is still with us today as our country faces new challenges. You are proof that the homeland is not only a place, but also a trust, a memory and at the same time a responsibility. You are the ones who kept the name of Kosovo alive at the most difficult times, those who carried our national flag around the world when it did not yet wave freely here in Kosovo, those who preserved the language and pride in the most difficult days for us. Therefore, today, when we welcome you all to the homeland, we are not welcoming you as guests, but as an inseparable part of ourselves. Honourable expats, Today we are here together, at this end of the year, to listen to one another other again, because for us it is not the first time that we meet, we have been waiting for you and you have been waiting for us continuously, so to hear the voice of memory, the voice of history and the voice of the homeland, which even when it is far away, never ceases to call. This is because for us Albanians and especially for our emigrants, the homeland is not simply a symbol on the map. It is a feeling, it is a memory and it is an unquenchable longing. It is that image that follows us in the days of hard work and in the long nights of loneliness. It is that sight that, like in our epic songs, constantly returns to our minds. The mountains and plains of Kosovo are a collective memory, they are our common history, they are proof of the resilience of a people that, even when violently dispersed around the world, has never lost its spiritual compass and national identity. The Albanian diaspora, our diaspora, was born out of need, out of pain, out of lack of perspective, but also out of injustice, violence and expulsions. However, it was never forgotten. On the contrary, it became a force, it became resistance and it became a shield of our national identity. Therefore, the deeds of our diaspora are not simply part of the archive of our history, they lie at the very foundations of our state. You are the most living proof that our diaspora is a strong and indestructible pillar of our free and sovereign Republic. In the most difficult days of our history, when freedom was forbidden, the diaspora was what kept our hope alive. It was what organized, what protested, what spoke in the name of Kosovo and the people of Kosovo in the most important chancelleries of the world. It was what paved the way, it was what built bridges and friendships. She was the one who helped families, who kept education alive under occupation, who supported the fight for freedom and dignity. She was an exile, always ready to return to her homeland, even risking her life. Many members of our expat community proved this by initially joining the peaceful resistance built by the founding father of our Republic, the historic President, Dr. Ibrahim Rugova. By internationalizing the issue of Kosovo when we were denied freedom, they proved it again when boys and girls from exile returned to the land of Kosovo to fight for the defense of the homeland, becoming part of the Kosovo Liberation Army and the most glorious chapter of our history. And each one of you demonstrates this even today, every time you return to Kosovo, every time you support your families, every time you invest here, every time you are present. You, not only help Kosovo, you together with each of us build the future of our country. Today, many young men and women return to Kosovo to invest, to develop Kosovo and to make it even stronger. And this returning reflex, this inner calling, has always been part of the soul of our diaspora. After the war and after the declaration of independence, Kosovo entered a new chapter. A chapter filled with hope, but also with challenges. In this process, the diaspora is not only a memory of the past, but above all it is a partner of the future. Today, Kosovo again needs your contribution, your ideas, your experience, the knowledge you have gained in the countries where you live and work.There is a need for initiatives that bring even more development, for projects that create jobs, for technology and innovation. There is a need for experts who return, whether temporarily or permanently, to share knowledge, to build even stronger institutions, to raise even stronger professional standards. And just as Kosovo needs the diaspora, the diaspora also needs a state that listens to it, respects it and includes it. A state that continues to create fair conditions, strong laws and a climate of trust, where physical or professional return is not a sacrifice, but is a shared opportunity. This heart that always comes running towards Kosovo, whenever we need it, is also a call
Madam President: Our Kosovo is stronger precisely due to this spirit of coexistence, hospitality and solidarity, which has kept us entwined across generations
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, was hosted last night by the family of Vjekoslav Tošić from the Croatian community as well as by the family of Anton Gashi, both fromJanjevë, to whom she conveyed most sincere felicitations and the unifying spirit of the Christmas holiday. President Osmani wrote: During the end-of-year holidays, when human values take on a deeper meaning and homes are filled with warmth, last night we had the honor of being guests at the family of Vjekoslav Tošić, of the Croatian community as well as the family of Anton Gashi, both from Janjevë, to whom we conveyed most sincere felicitations and the unifying spirit of the Christmas holiday. Holidays always remind us that peace, love and hope are values that live in our families and in our shared tradition of celebrating holidays, as we have always shared them, together, with respect and understanding. Our Kosovo is stronger precisely due to this spirit of coexistence, hospitality and solidarity, which has kept us entwined across generations. Sincere appreciation for the warm hospitality of both families!
President Osmani’s address at the reception held at the Saint Mother Teresa Cathedral in Prishtina, on the occasion of the Christmas celebration
Honorable Bishop of Kosovo, Your Grace Dodë Gjergji, congratulations once again to you and to all present, Honorable representatives of the institutions, Dear guests, I am happy that tonight, on Christmas Eve, on this holiday of love, unity and hope, we have come together in the spiritual home that bears the name of our saint, Mother Teresa. On this festive night, we remember our greatest example of kindness, Mother Teresa. Our great mother dedicated herself to humanity, to the poorest, and built on their suffering the image of hope, love and unsparing help. Tonight, following her example, we do not stop at just wishing each other a Merry Christmas, but reflect deeply on what makes this holiday so special. Beyond the twinkling lights that symbolize hope, we reflect on our generosity, solidarity and unity as a nation and as a society. Christmas is an inspiration that reminds us that even in the face of challenges, hope must triumph. This holiday calls for mutual respect, towards the family that loves us unconditionally, towards the friends who stand by us and our compatriots, with whom we are connected by language, blood, and hope. The magic of Christmas makes us turn our attention tonight also towards those who are far away, in service, but above all towards those who most need our care. Therefore, following the example of Saint Teresa, let us care not only tonight, but throughout the coming year, for those who await our help and need human warmth. A sincere smile, a gesture of love, can brighten someone’s world and make ours more beautiful. Christmas reminds us that light always finds its way in the face of darkness and that love has the power to transform people. This night has an even broader spiritual, but also historical significance for us. Our rich history is intertwined with our spiritual tradition throughout the centuries. Therefore, tonight we also remember the Letter that the Apostle Paul addressed to the Romans, where he writes that the Gospel was proclaimed “from Jerusalem to Illyria”, testifying that these lands have been an early part of the history of Christianity. Major Illyrian figures such as Constantine the Great and Justinian I, both Dardanians, who transformed by embracing Christianity and establishing its principles of the Roman law, also belong to this historic continuity. Then, Saint Jerome the Illyrian, whose translation of the Holy Scriptures gave the world the Holy Bible. Pope Clement, also known as Pope Alban, whose legacy shaped not only the spiritual identity of Europe but also the moral and legal architecture of Western civilization. On this Christmas Eve, we cannot help but remember the first Catholic martyrs, our saints Florin and Laur of Ulpiana. With the act of sacrifice, they bore witness to their faith and left a legacy that continues to inspire generations. Our early connection with Western values leads us to the memory of the heroic “Athlete of Christ and Defender of Christianity” – Prince of Arbëria, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, who, with courage and sacrifice, defended these values that shaped our spiritual heritage. This historical inspiration finds continuity in the historic President Dr. Ibrahim Rugova, who, in August 2005, during the laying of the cornerstone of the Cathedral, emphasized that this cathedral “will be a sign of peace, dialogue and respect between all our citizens, serving as a bridge between our faiths and cultures”. Both figures, although at different times, are closely linked to Western values and are therefore guides in our Euro-Atlantic vision. Their legacy and their vision, together with their continued commitment to humanity, inspire us to preserve and strengthen spiritual, cultural and diplomatic ties, building a future where peace, justice and solidarity will be the values that unite us. In this historical and spiritual continuity, I had the honor of being received in a private audience a few days ago by His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV. During this meeting, I once again extended my warmest congratulations on the commencement of his mission and cordially invited him to visit the Republic of Kosovo. In this spirit, we also discussed the role of Kosovo, our Dardanian land, as a country that has built peace and interfaith harmony on our historical experience of resistance, sacrifice and survival. Kosovo remains committed to strengthening relations with the Holy See and advancing our historic friendship, guided by the values that unite us: peace, human dignity, solidarity and mutual respect. Dear friends, On this Christmas Eve, let us remember that the light of hope and love for others are those which can transform the world around us. Let us open our hearts and homes, not only for joy and celebration, but also for kindness, care and solidarity. Let us draw inspiration from the deeds of Mother Teresa and all our historical figures, spreading love and hope to others, keeping our traditions and values alive. May your days be filled with peace, health, joy and boundless love! May you all have a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with blessings!
President Osmani’s Christmas Greetings
On this holiday of light and hope, I congratulate from the bottom of my heart all Christian believers and wish that Christmas brings peace to their souls, love in their families, and good health to everyone. May our tradition of respect, solidarity, and hospitality unite us, giving us strength to move forward together, with faith, hope, and understanding. Have a Merry Christmas!
President Osmani met in Washington, D.C with the US Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, met with the Deputy Secretary of State of the United States of America, Christopher Landau. During the meeting, President Osmani expressed the gratitude of the people of Kosovo for the signing by President Donald Trump of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), for the American support of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Kosovo, for President Trump’s vision for the dialogue to be based on mutual recognition between Kosovo and Serbia, for the support of Kosovo’s membership in NATO, as well as for the increase in strategic economic investments. President Osmani also spoke about recent developments, the security situation in the region, as well as the importance of moving forward with the Kosovo-U.S Strategic Dialogue as an essential platform for strengthening the bilateral partnership and advancing cooperation in areas of common interest. Madam President emphasized Kosovo’s commitment to the alliance with the United States of America and its readiness to continue working closely with the Trump Administration, as reflected in the removal of tariffs on U.S. products, the agreement on third-country nationals, alignment with U.S foreign policy, the full harmonization of the list of foreign terrorist organizations with President Trump’s executive orders, as well as other actions that demonstrate Kosovo’s support for the Trump Administration. At the meeting, Madam President raised the issue of Serbia’s flagrant violations of the rights of Albanians in Preshevë, Medvegjë and Bujanoc, requesting the Trump Administration’s support on this issue. As far as the relations between Kosovo and Serbia are concerned, Madam President expressed her gratitude to the Trump Administration’s clear policy, stating that dialogue should be based on mutual recognition and for the fact that dangerous ideas for border changes or division have been excluded. This approach, she added, is necessary to maintain peace and stability in our region. During the meeting with Deputy Secretary Landau, which is the second bilateral meeting this year, President Osmani reiterated that Kosovo will continue to walk alongside the United States of America, Kosovo’s eternal ally.
President Osmani condoles the family, friends, collaborators and the entire artistic community on the passing of Shemsi Krasniqi – Shemi
It is with deep sorrow that we received the news of the passing of Shemsi Krasniqi – Shemi, the emblematic vocalist of the legendary band “Ilirët”, one of the most representative voices of the Kosovar rock scene of the 80s. “Xhamadani vija vija” remains a powerful and symbolic memory, which continues to unite emotions, history and identity, just as Shemi’s voice did over the decades. At these difficult moments, we express our most sincere condolences to the family, friends, collaborators and the entire artistic community. For their extraordinary contribution, two years ago, we honored Shemi and the band “Ilirët” with the Presidential Medal of Merit. His memory and work will live long through the music he bequeathed to us. May the memory of Shemsi Krasiqin-Shemi be eternal!