President Osmani: Kosovo’s history, culture, innovation and vision for the future at EXPO 2025 in Osaka!
Message of the President for June 12, Liberation Day
Free Kosovo, forever proud! Twenty-six years ago today, hope arrived on the war-ravaged soil of Kosovo. Fifty thousand NATO troops entered our war-torn country, contributing to the liberation of a people who had been oppressed for centuries, and over one million Albanians returned to their homes. The fighters of the Kosovo Liberation Army and NATO soldiers turned terror into courage and pain into hope. On that historic day, they brought light after a long darkness and made freedom a reality. Despite the efforts of Kosovo’s enemies to change history, a history written in blood cannot be changed and nor erased by lies written in pencil. Free, independent, democratic, eternal Kosovo! Because the heroes and martyrs of freedom gave it eternity!
Keynote Address by H.E. Dr. Vjosa Osmani Sadriu, President of Kosovo On the occasion of Kosovo’s National Day at EXPO 2025 Osaka Osaka, Japan – 11 June 2025
Keynote Address by H.E. Dr. Vjosa Osmani Sadriu, President of Kosovo On the occasion of Kosovo’s National Day at EXPO 2025 Osaka Osaka, Japan – 11 June 2025 — Thank you very much and Konichiwa to everyone, good afternoon and thank you once again Minister Yoshitaka Ito for your kind words and the warm welcome to Osaka EXPO here. Distinguished hosts, Honorable representatives of the Government of Japan, Representatives from the Republic of Kosovo and all around the world, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a profound honor to address you today on behalf of the people and the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo as we mark our country’s National Day here at EXPO 2025 in the vibrant and visionary city of Osaka. It is only fitting that this day is coinciding with the celebrations marking Kosovo’s Liberation Day that are already taking place in our country. Allow me to first extend our deepest gratitude to the Government of Japan and the organizers of this World Expo for their warm hospitality for our delegation and for also crafting a space where countries from every corner of the globe can come together – not only to exhibit what they build, what they produce, or design – but also to share the very essence of who they are, and more importantly, who they aspire to be. As one of the youngest democracies in the world, Kosovo stands proudly among you today – not defined by its size, but by the strength of its people, the courage of its history, and the clarity of its vision. Tomorrow, as I said, is Liberation Day in Kosovo, when we mark the day our people were finally freed from oppression and from a genocidal regime—a day that honors the courage of those who fought for our freedom, the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, but also the strength of the Alliances that came to our help in our hour of need. Today, Kosovo is a thriving, forward-looking democracy at the very heart of Europe, governed by the rule of law, driven by a new generation of innovators, and deeply committed to Euro-Atlantic values. Our young people, who constitute the majority of our population are the engineers coding tomorrow’s solutions, the artists giving form to our identity, businesses that are thriving and scientists that are bringing our region closer to global progress. And while our youth innovate and build, they also carry forward the richness of our culture. Few expressions of that culture are more powerful than music, which is why I am proud that Kosovo’s Philharmonic joins us today, ready to share a piece of our identity with all of you. And in that spirit, our participation at EXPO 2025 is more than symbolic. It is a testament to our commitment to global cooperation, sustainable development, and to closer ties with our partners, primarily with Japan. The theme of this Expo—“Designing Future Society for Our Lives”—resonates deeply with us. Because for Kosovo, the future is not just an abstract idea. It is a mission. A mission to ensure that our people, particularly our youth, are not merely participants in global transformation—but the leaders of this transformation. That is why Kosovo is investing in sustainable energy, in digital transformation, and in global cooperation. We are working tirelessly to preserve our cultural heritage while, at the same time, championing values of inclusion and innovation. And we do so with the unwavering belief that our future must be just, sustainable, and human-centered. And we know that this vision is not ours alone. It is one we share with like-minded partners and friends across the world, and especially with Japan. Japan’s principled support for our people, especially in the aftermath of the war and the many stages of rebuilding, will never be forgotten by our people. It has formed the solid foundation of the friendship and partnership that we enjoy today – a friendship that is rooted in shared values but also in our shared vision for the future. And as Kosovo continues its path of development and international engagement, we look forward to deepening this partnership – across institutions, academia, business, as well as culture. Excellencies, Dear friends from around the world, As we celebrate Kosovo’s Day, here at EXPO 2025 in Osaka, I invite you to engage with our story – not just the story of our past, but the promise of our future. Visit our pavilion. Speak to our young creators. Taste our traditions. See our innovations. And most importantly, know that behind each exhibit, each smile, and each handshake, each product, each glass of wine, is a country whose voice may be young, but whose values are timeless. Kosovo is a country that believes in the power of freedom. A country that honors the sacrifices of the past by building peace in the present. A country that stands ready to contribute to a world that is safer, more sustainable, more equal – and more importantly, more human. Because yes, it is governments who lead – but it is the people – the people who give a country its purpose, its character, and most importantly, its enduring power. May today be a reaffirmation of our shared future, one of understanding and respect, one of solidarity, and boundless possibility. Thank you. Arigatou gozaimasu. Faleminderit shumë.
President Osmani in Osaka: Kosovo, a democracy that looks towards the future
President Vjosa Osmani delivered the keynote speech on behalf of the Republic of Kosovo, at the official Kosovo Day ceremony at EXPO 2025, in Osaka, Japan. In her speech, President Osmani said: “Tomorrow is Liberation Day in Kosovo, the day our people were finally freed from a genocidal regime – a day that honours the courage of those who fought for our freedom, the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and the strength of the alliances that came to our help in our hour of need.” In addition, the President emphasized that: “Today, Kosovo is a thriving forward-looking democracy, governed by the rule of law, driven by a new generation of innovators and deeply committed to Euro-Atlantic values.” Speaking about the excellent relations with Japan, the President said: “Japan’s principal support for our people, especially in the aftermath of the war and the many stages of rebuilding, will never be forgotten by our people. It has formed the solid foundation of the friendship we enjoy today. As Kosovo continues its path of development and international engagement, we look forward to deepening this partnership.” In the following link you will find the full speech of President Osmani on behalf of the Republic of Kosovo, at the official Kosovo Day ceremony at EXPO 2025, in Osaka, Japan:
President: The arrest of Kosovo citizen, Arbnor Spahiu, made on completely false grounds and accusations
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, said that the arrests of our citizens by Serbian authorities while crossing the border are arbitrary actions, similar to those chauvinistic ones of the 1990s. President Osmani wrote: The arrests of our citizens by the Serbian authorities during the border crossings are arbitrary actions, similar to the chauvinistic ones of the 1990s. Serbia is not interested in human rights, international conventions, nor European standards. As is being proven more day by day, the only mentality that suits it is that of dictatorships with the spirit of the past. Such is also the arrest of the Kosovo citizen Arbnor Spahiu, which was made on completely false grounds and accusations. This act has nothing to do with the rule of law, but with the continuation of old practices of a regime that refuses to face the past and that misuses the law to threaten our citizens. Serbia must immediately stop its campaign of political arrests against Kosovo citizens and be held internationally accountable for its arbitrary actions. These actions not only impede freedom of movement, but also jeopardize any efforts for dialogue and normalization of relations. During the last days, in addition to ongoing contacts with the Liaison Office of the Republic of Kosovo in Belgrade, we have also called for a strong response from the Quint countries and the EU Mission, so that these human rights violations by Serbia are not ignored. At the same time, I reiterate my call to our citizens to avoid traveling through Serbia, being aware of the arbitrary practices of unjustified arrests as well as the destabilizing tendencies of this state.
Madam President: Kosovo is the voice of youth, resilience, innovation, culture and values that do not fade with time
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, said that Kosovo is the voice of youth, resilience, innovation, culture and values that do not fade with time, adding that this voice was heard today in the heart of Japan. President Osmani wrote: Kosovo is the voice of youth, resilience, innovation, culture and values that do not fade with time. This voice was heard today in the heart of Japan! Together with a business delegation from Kosovo, as well as representatives of the Kosovo Philharmonic, we brought to the world not only our cultural and economic identity, but also our strategic vision for sustainable development, international cooperation and strengthening partnerships with friendly countries.
Live from Osaka, Japan: Official Kosovo Day Ceremony at EXPO 2025; speech on behalf of the Republic of Kosovo and special performance by the Kosovo Philharmonic
At the invitation of the Japanese Government, President Osmani has departed on an official bilateral visit to Japan
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, has departed on an official trip to Japan where she will be holding a number of bilateral meetings. During the official visit to Tokyo, President Osmani will be received in by His Majesty, the Emperor of Japan. Madam President will also hold a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Japan, Mr. Shigeru Ishiba, to discuss the strengthening of bilateral relations between Kosovo and Japan. During the official visit, the President will also have a meeting with the Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Fukushiro Nukaga. In addition to the visit to Tokyo, during her stay in Japan, President Osmani will participate in official activities marking Kosovo Day at the Expo 2025 World Expo in Osaka. At the official opening of Kosovo Day in Osaka, President Osmani will be received by Minister Naoki Okada, responsible for Expo Osaka 2025. She will address the participants with the keynote speech on behalf of the Republic of Kosovo, and will visit the Kosovo Pavilion. The official opening ceremony of Kosovo Day will also be followed with a special concert by the Kosovo Philharmonic Orchestra. As part of the visit, President Osmani will also lead a business meeting in Tokyo, together with a delegation composed of business representatives from Kosovo, in the presence of businesses from Japan. This meeting aims to promote opportunities for Japanese investments in Kosovo and strengthen bilateral economic cooperation. President Osmani will also meet with Mr. Tanaka Akihiko, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), to discuss opportunities for further development cooperation with Japan. As part of her official agenda in Tokyo, President Osmani will also have a discussion with students of Sophia University as well as a series of other activities aimed at further affirming and expanding relations between Kosovo and Japan.
President Osmani: The Albanian League of Prizren became the foundation of our national consciousness, a testament to the will for freedom and a precursor to independence
On June 10th 1878, during the most difficult times of our nation, the wisest and most determined representatives of the four vilayets gathered in Prizren of history and dignity to raise the voice of Albanians in defense of our lands and our rights. The Albanian League of Prizren became the foundation of our national consciousness, a testament to the will for freedom and a precursor to independence. Today, 147 years later, we humbly honor the work of Abdyl Frashëri, Ymer Prizreni, Sulejman Vokshi and all the other patriots who kept alive the ideal of a free and equal nation among the nations of Europe. Felicitations on the 147th anniversary of the League of Prizren!
President Osmani condoles the Bukoshi family on the passing of Former Prime Minister in Exile, Dr. Bujar Bukoshi
Dear Bukoshi family, It is with deep sorrow that I received the news of the passing of Dr. Bujar Bukoshi, a visionary physician and a statesman of unparalleled dedication. Dr. Bukoshi, former Prime Minister in Exile, will forever be remembered for his contribution to strengthening the cause of a free and independent Kosovo in the most difficult times for our people. His contribution as a physician, intellectual, and political leader has left an indelible mark on our path to freedom and independence. For decades, he served the country with dignity, knowledge, and determination. At these difficult times for the family, I sympathize with you and encourage you to find strength in coping with the pain. May the memory of Dr. Bujar Bukoshi be eternal!