President Vjosa Osmani’s address at the “EARLY DETECTION – SURVIVAL” traditional manifestation
Dearly beloved women, who have gone through or are going through your own battle with breast cancer, Honorable Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Basha, Honorable Vice-Speaker, Honorable representatives of institutions, Ambassadors and representatives of amicable countries, Dear doctors, nurses and healthcare workers, Very dear, Mrs. Nafije Latifi, Sisters and brothers, October is the month when the strength of women is dressed in the color of hope, the color pink. It is the month when we remember that every battle of life can be won with love, with care and perseverance. In this month we no longer talk only about pain, but above all we talk about courage. We do not talk about illness, but we talk about life. Today we are here to honor the cause and the spirit. The spirit of women who did not give up, who faced fear and turned it into strength. To the women, who even in the most difficult moments inspired hope for themselves, for their families and for all the women of Kosovo. I would like to begin by expressing our deep gratitude to the “Jeta Vita” association, led by Ms. Nafije Latifi, for the extraordinary work they have done for decades, giving a voice to women throughout Kosovo and raising awareness and consequently our strength in the face of this disease. I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses and all health professionals, who every day care with dedication for cancer patients. You are their first shield of hope, so thanks to your tireless work many women today are success stories. Since the time I was Speaker of the Assembly and today as President, I have had the honor of working closely with each of you, so that we can join forces in confronting this disease of our citizens. In every meeting with women, we have learned something new about human strength, about faith and about the meaning of life. Therefore, as President, I have considered it a moral and institutional obligation to support every initiative that brings relief and hope to them. This is part of our ongoing commitment and support that we started years ago and that should not stop. Because, for every woman and every man who faces this challenge, we must be there not only with words, but also with concrete actions. Today more than ever, we must reiterate the importance of early diagnosis. Every check-up, every regular examination is an opportunity for life. The earlier the diagnosis occurs, the greater the hope for life. This is why I want to encourage every woman again not to be afraid of the check-up. Because, it is not fear that saves lives, but check-up can save lives when it occurs early. I know that this path is not easy. This disease requires courage, requires confrontation, requires support from everyone around us and requires a lot of love. But, I want to say today with complete conviction: breast cancer is not the end. It can only be the beginning of a very challenging chapter, but a chapter that makes you stronger and more aware of life. In every story of a woman or man who has gone through the battle with cancer, we see an extraordinary example of human strength. They are the heroines and silent heroes of our society. It is our duty to make their voices heard, their example honored and their efforts supported every day. Distinguished guests, Pink October is not just a month for awareness, but a reminder for the whole year, so that no woman is left alone on this journey. Let us make caring for the health of all our citizens a national priority. Let us turn love and solidarity into a force that saves lives. Finally, I want to say to you with all my heart, to all the women who are fighting: You are not alone! You have a special place in the heart of this country. As long as there are people who care, institutions that support and a society that unites around this cause, there is hope, there is life and there is victory. Therefore, on this Pink October, let us be one voice, one heart and one promise. That we will continue to take care of ourselves, to diagnose early, to support every woman and every man who faces these diseases and to never stop, until every battle with cancer turns into a success story. Let us wear the color of hope, pink, not only in October, but also on other days. Because, every day that we live with love, courage and care for each other is a day won. May God bless all the women who fight, all our mothers, sisters and daughters! Thank you!
President Vjosa Osmani’s address at the Lama Dinner
Honorable Speaker of the Assembly, Honorable deputy Speaker Honourable ambassadors of friendly countries, Representatives of security institutions, civil society, various associations, Doctors, Athletes, Associations of families of the missing persons and partner organizations, Friends of the land, tradition and prosperity, Everything begins from the land: life, prosperity and abundance. The land nourishes every family. The land is the root that holds every nation together, and as such is the clearest proof that work and dedication bring prosperity and success. Tonight at this Lama Dinner, our traditional holiday, we are not simply celebrating the end of a working season, but at the same time we are also honoring the very philosophy of life of the man who lives with the land, who works the land, who rejoices when it bears fruit and who thanks God for this fruit. This Lama Dinner, which is an initiative of the historic President, Dr. Ibrahim Rugova, is a cultural event and a reminder of our connection to our roots, to the land that sustains us, to the tradition that teaches us to be grateful. Therefore, tonight we remember once again the wisdom of President Rugova, who believed that the nation is strengthened by work, knowledge and love for the land that nourishes us. In our cultural tradition, an everyday expression is: May God grant you blessings! This greeting personifies the philosophy of life and summarizes hope, gratitude and the connection between man and nature. It is an expression that has been passed down from generation to generation from the tables of our villages and cities, to the courtyards where the seeds were stored for the next year. Just like the “Thanksgiving” holiday in some of the friendly allied countries, “Thanksgiving Day”, which is celebrated, among other things, to give thanks for the harvest and prosperity, but also for everything we are grateful for in our lives. Tonight, in our own way, with our culture and spirit, we also give thanks for the blessings of this year, for our blessed land that filled our barns and for the hands of our farmers, who have worked for the bread of their country. In many European markets, the ajvar of the Women of Krusha is already known as a synonym for taste and high quality. The wines of Rahovec or Suhareka compete with the wines of the most famous regions of Europe. Grapes, honey, saffron, apples, teas, mountain fruits and many, many other products have become ambassadors of Kosovo and evidence of our fertile land, the craftsmanship of our farmers, as well as the dedication to cultivate with love and passion. These products, besides being economic goods, are a story, a story about our working people, who turn their labor into prosperity, their sweat into pride! Dear friends, Agriculture is one of the pillars of the state’s empowerment. Every yield, every farm, every organic product that reaches our market is a step towards our economic independence. Today, organic products are not only the pride of our state, but a standard that is gaining more and more space and more and more respect in other markets around the world and in the lives of citizens who choose to live healthy. However, our working citizens are not only proving themselves with agriculture, but only with their skills in this sector. In fact, Kosovo has worthy people in every sector, who with their contribution make the state increasingly stronger, increasingly more stable. Therefore, at this Lama Dinner, I would like to express my deep gratitude and appreciation to each and every one of those who keep this country alive and proud every day. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of Kosovo’s allies who have joined us tonight at this Lama Dinner, and who always stand by us in every challenge. Unlimited respect for the Police of the Republic of Kosovo, who with professionalism and dedication safeguard the safety of our citizens. For the Kosovo Security Force, who with discipline and sacrifice is the guardian of our Republic and the purest reflection of modern patriotism. Gratitude to our firefighters, who face danger to save lives, but also to save our land. For the doctors and nurses who have joined us tonight and many, many others who are working to save lives, who every day keep hope and care for the health of our people alive. Heartfelt gratitude to all the associations that emerged from the war, to the survivors of sexual violence during the war, to the associations that they support every day and for the courage and dignity with which they have turned wounds into strength. To the organizations that defend women’s rights, patients’ rights, children’s rights and in general, organizations that every day are champions for human rights, reminding us that equality is the foundation of freedom. Honor to our successful athletes, who raise our flag in the international arena. To the associations that work with us every day so that Kosovo moves forward. To our institutions that every day defend democracy. And also, as I mentioned earlier, the associations that emerged from the KLA war, which preserve the memory of the sacrifice, and for the associations of the families of the forcibly disappeared, which never stop in their search for justice. A special thank you also to the associations that deal with children’s rights and associations that deal with people with special needs. We have here the Down Syndrome association, the Autism associations and many, many others, who remind us every day that love, dedication and dignity know no bounds. Because a strong society is measured by the way it takes care of each of its members. Thank you to the teachers, who every day ensure that our education system moves forward, including my first teacher, who has joined us here tonight. Each of you, each of you is living proof that Kosovo is a spirit that does not give up. And this non-surrender is best reflected in the children we have invited tonight,
President Osmani: the Lama Dinner is a celebration of thanksgiving and appreciation
Under the organization of the President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, the traditional Lama Dinner was held last night, in the presence of ambassadors of amicable countries, as well as representatives of state institutions and social circles. In her address to those present, President Osmani emphasized that the land is the root that holds every nation together and the clearest proof that work and dedication bring prosperity and success. President Osmani recalled that this Dinner is an initiative of the historic President, Dr. Ibrahim Rugova, and at the same time an expression of his wisdom that the nation is strengthened with work, knowledge and love for the land that nourishes us. President Osmani also highlighted the successes of local products that are now known outside of Kosovo, such as the Ajvar of the women of Krusha, the wines of Rahovec and Suharekë, as well as grapes, honey, fruits, teas, and many other products, emphasizing that these products are not only economic goods, but also a story of the work, passion, and dedication of the people of Kosovo. In conclusion, Madam President emphasized that the Lama Dinner is more than a celebration of blessings; it is a moment of reflection and thanksgiving for the work, unity, and spirit of appreciation that characterizes the people of Kosovo. She expressed her gratitude to the allies who have always stood by us, for the security institutions that protect the sovereignty of the country and the safety of citizens, for healthcare and educational workers, human rights organizations, and many other representatives who gathered to celebrate this ancient tradition of our people. “The Lama Dinner is a celebration of gratitude to: the worker, the farmer, to prosperity, to nature that gifts us, and to God who gives us blessings. It is a moment to remember that the strength of a nation is not measured only by numbers in the economy, but by the spiritual connection it has with its land and tradition,” emphasized President Osmani.
Madam President: the Pink October is the month when we remember that every battle in life can be won with love, care and resilience
Under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, within the framework of the International Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and together with the Kosovo Center for the Fight against Breast Cancer “JETA/VITA”, the traditional informative and cultural event was held, with the motto “EARLY DETECTION – SURVIVAL”. President Osmani wrote: Together with the women and men who have survived cancer, with the activists, doctors and nurses who care for them every day, we came together today at the Pink October march 🎀 to show that unity turns into hope. Pink October is the month when we remember that every battle in life can be won with love, care and resilience. Today, as we do every single year, we have come together to send a powerful message: let’s support every woman and man and never stop until every battle with cancer turns into a success story.
President Osmani received in a meeting the Grand Mufti of Kosovo, Naim Tërnava
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, received in a meeting the Grand Mufti of the Islamic Community of Kosovo, Naim Tërnava, and discussed with him the ICK’s engagement in strengthening Kosovo’s international position, the tradition of interfaith tolerance, and the importance of continuing to cultivate it. President Osmani highly appreciated the contribution of the Islamic Community of Kosovo to fostering interfaith harmony, which constitutes one of the most cherished values of Kosovo society and serves as a distinguished example in the region. She underlined that cooperation between state institutions and religious communities is crucial for building a fair and inclusive society.
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, for the fourth year in a row, has donated oncology packages to women who battle with breast cancer.
Madam President: For the fourth year in a row, we donated oncology packages to women who battle with breast cancer at the Oncology Clinic President Osmani wrote: From pain to strength, from fear to hope! At the Oncology Clinic, for the fourth year in a row, we donated oncology packages to women who are facing the battle with breast cancer. This donation of 640 packages is a support and encouragement for every woman who has fought with dignity, and a reminder that after every wound there is life, hope and renewal. Supporting women affected by cancer is not a one-day action, but a permanent commitment to their dignity, equality and health. For this cause, we collaborate daily with the Jeta/Vita association and Mrs. Nafije, as well as with all the healthcare personnel who are doing an extraordinary job. Every single oncology package carries a clear message: You are not alone! You are strong! You can do it!
President Osmani receives the credentials of the new Ambassador of Germany, Rainer Rudolph
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, received today the credentials of the new Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, Rainer Rudolph. President Osmani extended a warm welcome and best wishes for Ambassador Rudolph’s diplomatic engagement in Kosovo, expressing the deep gratitude of the people of Kosovo for Germany’s continuous support during all of the state-building stages and for strengthening the country’s international position. In this context, President Osmani emphasized that Germany has been and remains a strong ally of Kosovo and a steadfast supporter of the process of Kosovo’s membership in the European Union and NATO. During the meeting, the importance of further strengthening economic cooperation was emphasized, as well as the valuable contribution of our diaspora in Germany, which, through its engagement and investments, is strengthening the ties between the two countries and our two nations. President Osmani expressed her belief that the close partnership between the two countries will continue to expand in various areas of mutual interest during the ambassador’s mandate.
President Osmani receives the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, received today the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. During the meeting, President Osmani emphasized the commitment of the Republic of Kosovo to the Growth Plan reform agenda, underlining the importance of their implementation and close cooperation with the European Union in this process. Now that the Assembly has been constituted, Madam President expressed her expectations that the adoption of the Growth Plan will be among the first approvals carried out by the Assembly. President Osmani stated that the successful reforms and the continuous progress of Kosovo in international democracy and rule of law indices are clear evidence of our country’s commitment to European integration. In this context, she reiterated the importance of granting Kosovo the status of candidate country for membership in the European Union, by finding ways to break the current blockade that exists in the EU. At the meeting, President Osmani also stressed the necessity of lifting of the unfair measures against Kosovo, recalling that the European Commission itself has confirmed that these measures should be lifted, since the proposal of the EU High Representative in June 2024. Speaking about Kosovo’s efforts towards approximation with the European Union, President Osmani stressed that the support of the European Commission in this process remains essential. She reiterated the commitment of the people of Kosovo, the most pro-European people in the world, to the European future of our country. In addition, Madam President also raised the issue of raising of the level of cooperation with the EU in support of the health sector in Kosovo, as a necessity for the development of the country and increasing the quality of life for all citizens of Kosovo. The process of the forming of the government following the constitution of the Assembly was discussed at the meeting, as well as the process of local elections, an important democratic exercise that once again demonstrated the professionalism of our institutions and the commitment of citizens to democracy. She also expressed concern about Serbia’s continued and illegal interferences in the electoral processes in Kosovo, which are destabilizing acts which violate international law.
President Osmani met yesterday with the President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Mr. Marcos Perestrello
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, met yesterday with the President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Mr. Marcos Perestrello. President Osmani wrote: Yesterday I met with the President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Mr. Marcos Perestrello. I thanked him for his nomination for the ‘Women, Peace and Security’ Award as well as the decision of the Parliamentary Assembly to bestow to me this award, which is also an award to all the women in Kosovo. We discussed Kosovo’s increasing role in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, following the decision to upgrade our status to associate member – an important step forward in our Euro-Atlantic journey. I reconfirmed that Kosovo will fully utilize this opportunity as part of our broader aspiration for NATO membership, which remains both a priority of our foreign policy and a matter of particular importance to our national security.
President Osmani received in an official meeting by the President of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, was received in an official meeting by the President of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, during her one-day visit to Ljubljana. During the meeting, the excellent relations between Kosovo and Slovenia were discussed, as well as the possibilities of expansion of cooperation in areas of common interest, with particular emphasis on Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic path. President Osmani conveyed the utmost gratitude of the people of Kosovo for Slovenia’s continued support to our country and for its contribution to strengthening peace and security in the region.