President of the Republic of Kosovo, Mrs. Atifete Jahjaga, and President of the Republic of Croatia, Mr. Ivo Josipovic, visited today Janjeva, where they held a meeting with the Croatian community which resides this area.
President Jahjaga and President Josipovic were warmly received by the residents of Janjeva, and discussed with the residents the situation in this municipality.
It is an honour for all of us that President of the Republic of Croatia, Dr. Ivo Josipovic, is
visiting the Republic of Kosovo and we feel particularly honoured that he is visiting Janjeva, where the Croatian community resides for many centuries.
Our two countries, Kosovo and Croatia, and our two nations, have very good and friendly relations, which contribute to peace and stability. Croatians and Albanians have mutual relations which date from the very early periods, economic relations which date from the middle ages, relations between the Princes of Dukagjin and Scanderbeg and the Republic of Ragusa, as well as the localisation of the Albanians in Zara and Dalmatian coast and the Croatians here in Kosovo, stated President Jahjaga.
This, already established tradition between our two countries and people, of good and friendly relations, contributes to the further cooperation of people of our two countries and nations, added Madam President.
President Josipovic, after expressing his pleasure in being in Janjeva added: “Hundred years ago, your ancestors were here. Today, you are here. Guard the Croatian name, Croatian tradition, and Croatian culture. Despite all the difficulties, problems, wars, economic difficulties, you are here, you are here to protect your identity and to contribute towards your state, Croatia as well as the strengthen the ties with Croatia”.
“Friendly relations between Kosovo and Croatia are of the highest level and this will reflect in the situation and the position of Croatians here. We spoke with the President, Prime Minister and the Speaker of the Parliament about the residents of Janjeva, in order for the advancement and protection of the Croatian culture and establishment of the political representation of the Croats in the institutions of Kosovo. I am sure that this will be accomplished in the best possible manner” said President Josipovic.