President Osmani received the credentials of the new Ambassador of Norway to Kosovo, Arne Sannes Bjørnstad
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, received today the credentials of the new non-resident Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Kosovo, Mr. Arne Sannes Bjørnstad. On this occasion, the Madam President congratulated the Ambassador on his new tenure and expressed Kosovo’s institutions’ commitment to further strengthening the partnership between our two countries in areas of common interest. President Osmani praised Norway as an important and long-term partner of Kosovo, reiterating her gratitude for the continuous support that this country has provided to Kosovo through various programs over the years, as well as for the support provided for Kosovo’s membership processes in international organizations. During the meeting, the latest developments in Kosovo were also discussed, as well as the opportunities for expanding and deepening cooperation between Kosovo and Norway in various fields.
President Osmani awarded the Order of Freedom to Mr. Harry Bajraktari
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, has awarded the Order of Freedom to Mr. Harry Bajraktari, in appreciation for his extraordinary contribution to the freedom, independence and state-building of the Republic of Kosovo. President Osmani wrote: It was a special honor to award today the Order of Freedom to Mr. Harry Bajraktari, in appreciation for his extraordinary contribution to the freedom, independence and state-building of the Republic of Kosovo. For more than three decades, Mr. Bajraktari has been one of the most powerful voices of Kosovo in the United States of America. Since the early years, he has collaborated closely with the historic President Ibrahim Rugova, representing the cause of Kosovo before American institutions in a very sensitive period for our country. He has also been a staunch supporter of the Kosovo Liberation Army struggle, and has raised the voice of the Albanian-American community in the international arena. With incessant dedication, he has built important bridges of cooperation with the White House, the US Congress, and other US leaders, supporting Kosovo in crucial moments and standing by our people. Mr. Harry Bajraktari, thank you for everything you have done for Kosovo. Congratulations and eternal gratitude.
President Osmani’s address to the students from all over Kosovo, organized by the Kosovo Youth Council
Thank you very much and good morning to everyone! Honourable Mr. Fetahu, Dear members of the Youth Council from all over the Republic of Kosovo, Honourable Mr. O’Malley and Ms. Vashchenko, Dearly beloved students, It is truly a special pleasure to be among you today, precisely on International Students’ Day. At a conference that places students at the center of the conversation about peace and security, as it should be, in fact, in every democratic country. I am extremely happy that this conference is bringing together over 200 high students, from every city, village and community in Kosovo. This diversity is the most beautiful picture of our country. An inclusive Kosovo that builds bridges, where every student feels welcome and where peace begins exactly where you are formed, in your classroom and in your dreams for the future. In the history of our country, young people and students have always been at the forefront of vital processes for our country.During the darkest periods, when our homes were turned into schools, because schools were forcibly closed for us and children were systematically poisoned by Milosevic’s genocidal regime, it was our students and young people who carried the heaviest burden, but they were the ones who raised their voices for freedom, for dignity and for the right to education. A right that you today freely exercise, to think freely, to learn freely and to contribute to this country, which today is free thanks to the many students who sacrificed everything, so that today you and all of us can breathe in freedom. And this very story reminds us that youth is never simply a distant witness to processes, youth is precisely the force that changes those processes. Even today, the responsibility to build a safe society begins precisely in schools. School should be the safe space of your life, a place where you are respected, where you are heard and where you are not afraid at any moment to be yourself. This means an environment without violence, without bullying, without exclusion and without stigmatization of anyone. Building such an environment requires daily commitment from each of us and sincere cooperation between students, teachers and institutions. And an essential part of safety is also mental health. Many of our students, young people face pressures that are often not seen from the outside, but are felt deep inside. Therefore, it is necessary for each school to offer professional support, as well as safe spaces, where students can talk about their concerns. Asking for help is never weakness, it is courage and no one should feel alone in this regard. And safety in digital space is equally important. A large part of your life takes place online, and what happens online doesn’t just stay on your screen. Bad language, online harassment, or thoughtless sharing of something that can harm someone in seconds, is why it’s important to exercise responsibility and caution whenever you communicate on social media. And we also need to make sure that our security institutions protect every student who may encounter such phenomena. You are the generation that can set new standards of digital behavior and show that respect is valid in real life as well as in virtual spaces. Dear students, you are not just students who learn in schools, you are activists, you are innovators, you are creators of new ideas, and direct contributors to your peace and security and to the peace and security of our country. It is no coincidence that at the International Forum on Women, Peace and Security, held in June of this year, we set the theme of child protection and the active participation of young people in public life and decision-making. Your indispensable role at every step, from preventing violence to building trust among peers to creating a just society for all, is irreplaceable. But, for this, your participation must be real and guaranteed, schools must be environments that motivate you to think critically, motivate you to raise your voice and provide ideas for the solutions that you see every day. Your potential is extraordinary, you are the generation of peace and the generation of Kosovo’s bright future, and no matter how distant it may seem to you, I assure you that the future when you will lead this country in every sector is coming very, very soon. I want to assure you that as always, the Presidency will be open to you, to your ideas, but also to your concerns. Your potential, as I said, is great and we must ensure that it is utilized to move our country forward. For this reason, I invite you to continue to work with dedication, to be curious, to protect each other and to keep the common good and the interest of our beloved country at the center of your every activity. You are the ones who will write the next chapters of the history of our state! Thank you and I wish you much success in the continuation of this conference!
President Osmani: Proud of the military cooperation with our allies
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, hosted today generals, colonels and other senior officers from 16 countries and over 30 military academies from Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and beyond. President Osmani wrote: Among the generals, colonels and other senior officers from 16 countries and over 30 military academies from Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and beyond. They are visiting Kosovo on the occasion of the International Symposium of Military Academies (ISOMA) which is being held for the first time in our country. This marks an important moment for Kosovo and reflects not only the successes of the KSF Defense Academy, but also our growing role in raising professional standards and strengthening international cooperation. Proud of the KSF! Proud of military cooperation with our allies!
President Osmani received the UK Ambassador Jonathan Hargreaves
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, received today the UK Ambassador to Kosovo, Jonathan Hargreaves. The latest political and security developments in the country were discussed at the meeting. Madam President expressed her gratitude for the UK’s continued support to Kosovo and our people. Madam President also discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation in the field of transitional justice, including support for the Kosovo War Crimes Institute, as a key institution for documenting the truth and promoting justice. In conclusion, President Osmani reaffirmed the commitment of the Republic of Kosovo to advancing bilateral cooperation with the UK, particularly in the areas of security, defense, economy, trade, and human rights. In the wake of this, preparations were also discussed to advance Madam President’s initiative to conclude a strategic agreement with the United Kingdom, as discussed with the UK Foreign Secretary during his visit to Kosovo.
President Osmani received the representatives of the Institute for War Crimes in Kosovo
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, received today the Director of the Institute for War Crimes in Kosovo (IKKL), Mr. Atdhe Hetemi, with whom she discussed the institute’s work to date, the challenges, and the importance of continuing to document crimes committed during the war in Kosovo. President Osmani congratulated the IKKL team on their two-year work and the submission of the institute’s second annual report. The fact was emphasized at the meeting that to date, the IKKL has collected about 400 linear meters of physical material and over 20 terabytes of digital data, obtained from 650 different sources. According to President Osmani, documentation, archiving and research on the crimes committed during the recent war in Kosovo are essential not only to preserve the collective memory of the people of Kosovo, but also to shed light on the truth of the genocide committed by Serbia. “We must not allow history to be forgotten, on the contrary, we must strengthen our common call for justice to be served”, emphasized President Osmani. In this context, she underlined the need for close inter-institutional cooperation, especially with the State Prosecution and the Kosovo Police, to ensure that every piece of evidence is used in the service of justice. President Osmani also highlighted the importance of continued cooperation with citizens, and invited them to contribute to the work of the IKKL, by providing materials and testimonies that help shed light on the suffering of their families during the war.
President Osmani received the President of TİKA, Abdullah Eren
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, received today the President of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), Mr. Abdullah Eren, with whom she discussed the deepening of cooperation between Kosovo and Türkiye in various development fields. President Osmani expressed her deep gratitude for TİKA’s contribution to the development of Kosovo for more than two decades, emphasizing that this agency’s projects have significantly influenced the improvement of cultural infrastructure, education and healthcare in the country, thanking them in particular for the support in the construction of the Centre for Children with Down Syndrome and Autism in Pristina. In this context, President Osmani praised Türkiye as a friend and strategic partner of Kosovo, a country that has stood by our people at every stage, from the post-war period to the present day. She emphasized that the friendship between the two nations is stable and built on respect, mutual assistance and shared values. President Osmani congratulated Mr. Abdullah Eren on his appointment as president of TİKA, wishing him success in his new tenure and expressing her wish for a fruitful continuation of bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest. During the meeting, President Osmani thanked TİKA for the humanitarian and infrastructural assistance provided immediately after the war, when Kosovo was being rebuilt from destruction, as well as for the restoration of historical buildings, which contribute to the preservation of the country’s multicultural heritage. In conclusion, Madam President emphasized the importance of supporting initiatives related to children with special needs, those without parental care, marginalized groups and those in need of support.
President Osmani decrees 20 judges with initial mandate
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, decreed today 20 judges with initial mandates, based on the proposal made by the Kosovo Judicial Council. During the swearing-in ceremony in front of President Osmani, the new judges pledged to remain loyal to the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Kosovo, to respect professional ethics and to perform their duties with integrity, professionalism and impartiality. President Osmani emphasized that independent judiciary remains the foundation of every democratic state and the guarantor of its institutional and social development. She added that judges with integrity and professionalism are the foundation on which citizens’ trust in justice is built and equal rights for all are guaranteed.
President Osmani received the credentials of the new Ambassador of Bangladesh, Mr. Muhammad Zulqar Nain
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, today received the credentials of the new non-resident Ambassador of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to the Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Muhammad Zulqar Nain. During the meeting, President Osmani welcomed Ambassador Nain and thanked him for the continuous support that Bangladesh has provided to the Republic of Kosovo in the international arena. In this regard, she mentioned the meeting with the Prime Minister of Bangladesh during the UN High-Level Week in New York, Muhammad Yunus, where the joint commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries was reiterated, in the spirit of friendship, cooperation and mutual respect between the two peoples. On his part, Ambassador Nain expressed Bangladesh’s willingness to further strengthen diplomatic relations and build bridges of cooperation between the two countries. He conveyed the heartfelt congratulations of the Bangladeshi leadership to the people of Kosovo, expressing his belief that relations between the two countries will deepen even further in the future.
President Vjosa Osmani’s address at the forum organized by EULEX and the Kosovo Police Women’s Association, on the topic of: “From resolution to action: 25 years since women transform the peace and security in Kosovo”
Good morning everyone! Honourable Head of the EULEX Mission, General Barbano, Honourable Police Director General, Mr. Hoxha, Honourable Director General of the Correctional Service, Mr. Dibrani, Honourable representatives of institutions, Dear participants, you who work tirelessly on the principles of the Agenda for Women, Peace and Security, Ambassadors, Ladies and gentlemen, It is always a special pleasure to return to the annual event organized by you, especially when the focus of the discussion is such an important agenda as the one for Women, Peace and Security. Kosovo has proven over the years that it can share a lot in this field. Despite the difficult and dark periods that our people experienced during the war, we managed to rise again and build freedom thanks to the strength, courage and dedication of our women and men. This story of resilience and cooperation is now becoming an inspiring example, which Kosovo shares with the whole world each and every day. At this jubilee year, which marks the 25th anniversary of the Agenda for Women, Peace and Security, we remember not only our joint achievements in the cause of equality, but also reflect on the continuous efforts to advance this mission in Kosovo and beyond. This anniversary to us is not simply a chronological record, but evidence of an entire chapter of resistance, vision and transformation of an entire system of values in the sector that connects women with the values of peace and the mission to strengthen and guarantee security. The Republic of Kosovo has already become synonymous with the Agenda for Women, Peace and Security, as part of our ongoing state commitment. Today we proudly see the ever-increasing participation of our women in security structures, while we remember their extraordinary contribution to the journey of freedom and state formation and state building, and the continuous strengthening of our institutions. Today I want to honour every woman who has not only sacrificed everything for Kosovo, but also who today has chosen to serve our Republic, in the Security Force, in the Kosovo Police, in the Correctional Service, in diplomacy, in the economy and in every sector where peace and law are protected, where the very foundations of our state are strengthened. Dear participants, Equality and human rights are the fundamental pillars of the Republic of Kosovo and at the same time the guiding principles in the implementation of this agenda. These are also the values on which the Regional Centre of Excellence for Women, Peace and Security in Kosovo, established within the Presidency and the only one of its kind in the entire continent of Europe, operates. Through its work, the Centre promotes the role of women and girls in peace and security processes every day. Thanks to the Centre’s commitment, Kosovo was once again this year a meeting place for leaders, activists, and other global actors to address current challenges for Women, Peace and Security, placing in the spotlight not only the perspective of women on the security situation, but also of future generations, who deserve a safer and more peaceful future.. However, the progress achieved should not satisfy us, as challenges still remain, especially in achieving equal representation in senior management positions. I believe you noticed, at the beginning, that almost everyone I greeted as the heads of the institutions, were men. We will work together to change this as well. Always recognizing the extraordinary progress that women make in every security institution, we must continue to empower women in these sectors, make them more attractive for greater participation, but even more importantly, give women the deserved, deserved role in decision-making, a role that they have deserved for a long time. Only by eliminating the barriers imposed on women, will we be able to advance their representation in every institution that deals with peace and security, ensuring that their professional cadres remain and develop within these institutions based on the principles of meritocracy. It is essential, therefore, to promote successful examples of women in decision-making positions and encourage them to take on more responsibility, so that the gender perspective is part of every decision we make as a society. As you know, this year, due to the contribution of women in Kosovo, our country was also honoured with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Award, the annual award for Women, Peace and Security, which is a historic appreciation for our state and people, and in particular for the women who have given everything for this country for decades. We will continue to work even harder, so that the participation of women in every sector, and in particular in the security sector, is every day more influential, every day more competent and with ever-increasing representation. Without women present at the decision-making tables, security is not inclusive, because the women of Kosovo, in addition to being part of our glorious history, are also forces that are shaping the best possible future of our Republic each and every day. Thank you very much and I wish you much success in today’s discussions!