Dear sisters and brothers,
Honourable compatriots,
Welcome home!
In Kosovo’s history, there has never been a more enduring, more dedicated and more vital force than our diaspora.
You are not guests here, you are not just visitors, but you are sons and daughters of this land!
From the first generation of Albanian diaspora that was forced to leave to escape violence and oppression to the new generation, which today contributes to innovation, education, sports and diplomacy, the history of our diaspora is a story of strength, a story of pride and dedication.
Diaspora is not distant, because it is a heart that beats equally for the homeland as well. Your generations have built, over the decades, not only their lives in diaspora, but have also built strong bridges between Kosovo and the countries that became your second home.
The processes from the liberation efforts to the declaration of independence, from the building of democracy to the strengthening of the state in the international arena also bear the stamp of our expats.
From construction companies in Switzerland and Germany to those in the USA and Canada, from universities in these countries, to entrepreneurs in Canada, Austria and technology in Scandinavia, you have been the strong pillar of the development of the countries wherever you might have gone to.
Today, Albanians are everywhere in the world and not only as a physical presence, but also as political presence, as MP’s, mayors, professors, artists, engineers, successful athletes and world-famous singers.
This is a page of glory for our entire nation, because wherever you go, you brighten the face of Kosovo, but also, wherever you go, you carry Kosovo with you.
You have represented our country better than any word or a slogan. Therefore, we always say that you are the best ambassadors of Kosovo, without offending our ambassadors, who formally and with great dignity represent us all over the world.
Therefore, on this welcoming day, we express our deep gratitude to each and every one of you.
Also, on this day, I believe that you will join us in expressing our joint sympathy for the 33-year-old member of the diaspora, who tragically lost his life in Lake Ujman.
His loss has touched the hearts of everyone. On behalf of all citizens of the Republic of Kosovo, I once again express my most sincere condolences to his family and relatives.
Dear members of our diaspora,
The Republic of Kosovo, an independent, sovereign and democratic state, is also the result of the direct support, engagement and contribution of our precious diaspora.
Therefore, it is never enough to repeat our eternal gratitude to each of you, even at events like this.
You do not need to simply feel welcome, because Kosovo is as much yours as it is ours!
During the most difficult years, you were a strong arm for Kosovo, not only by contributing, but also with your blood, sweat and sacrifice.
You did not let Kosovo fall, even when it had nothing but love and hope.
You, who from exile built bridges, an economy and hope during the war years, also kept the spirit of freedom alive, after the war you encouraged the revival, and today you are an essential part of Kosovo’s development.
Today, Kosovo does not call you only because it longs for you, and not only for the summer, Kosovo invites you for partnership, to invest, to create and to build the future together.
Our country and yours has the potential to become an example, but to make this potential a reality, it also needs your mind and heart.
Without the diaspora, as you well know, in the most difficult times of our country, even the Kosovo Liberation Army, without this contribution of the diaspora, would have had an even more difficult battle for freedom.
Without the diaspora, many things would have been more distant, more difficult, and perhaps even impossible, because you are not only an asset to the countries where you live today, but a national asset to the Republic of Kosovo.
Therefore, your return, whether temporary on a visit or even permanent, is not simply a nostalgic return, but a strategic return.
The future we want for our children is being built now, with our hands, together, Kosovo and the diaspora of Kosovo, through the joining of our forces.
A more developed, stronger and more dignified Kosovo, this is our mutual ambition.
Therefore, come back not only for vacation, but also to invest, to work together.
Come back to be part of a shared success, which makes Kosovo a success story internationally.
Your acts will never remain simply in the archives of history, but they are part of the strong foundations of our state, they are the living proof that the diaspora will forever remain a pillar of our Republic.
Therefore, once again we thank you for everything you have done and invite you to everything we can do from now on.
Kosovo is not just your home, Kosovo is also the opportunity, it is the common future for you and all of us.
Thank you for never leaving us !
Thank you for being here today!
Thank you for being part of tomorrow, which we will build together!
May God bless our diaspora!
May God bless the Republic of Kosovo!
