Honourable Prime Minister Kurti,
Honourable Minister Maqedonci
Honourable General Jashari,
Honourable partner representatives,
Commanding and professional staff of the Doctrine and Training Command,
Dear soldiers, non-commissioned officers and officers of the Kosovo Security Force,
Dear officers and officials of partner countries,
Dear young soldiers of Generation 2023,
Dear parents and family members,
I feel extremely happy that today in this special ceremony we share the emotions of the celebration and crowning of the great success of our 325 boys and girls of the 2023 Generation of the Kosovo Security Force.
Dear young soldiers of this generation,
I am proud that today you will wear the uniform of our forces, I am proud that you are the heirs of the Kosovo Liberation Army and I am especially proud of the first step you took at the threshold of the Doctrine and Training Command, touching your dream of becoming soldiers of the Kosovo Security Force, starting your challenging journey in defense of our beloved homeland, the Republic of Kosovo.
By absorbing the training and lessons, you have been shaped and developed into soldiers of character who embrace the sacred ideals of duty, honor and country, intertwined with the highest values and standards of the officers of NATO member countries.
Loyalty, honor, integrity and courage are already embodied in your service to the country.
Through the Military Program, you have instilled the basic military competencies necessary to win all battles in a region and a world with complex challenges and threats, as well as with the appropriate inspiration for continuous professional excellence and service to all citizens of the Republic of Kosovo.
In addition to this sacred mission, you are now familiar with each training according to the US Army Doctrine and NATO standards, and ready to carry out the mission and sacred tasks in joint multinational operations, side by side with the colleagues of the allied forces in the service of protecting the Euro-Atlantic values of democracy, peace, stability and regional, continental and global security.
Dear Officers,
From today, you will swear allegiance to duty and the Republic and join the corps of other soldiers who serve our country.
Be an example of a professional soldier with high morals, dignity, integrity and honesty, because there you will have the key to mutual trust so that, as a team, you can maximize your synergy for the accomplishment of your tasks.
I recall on this occasion, that in the capacity of the Supreme Commander, in addition to the gratitude and high appreciation for the successes and achievements of the KSF, I was constantly interested in the status of the social and economic well-being of the military personnel of our Force.
Based on the assessment of the current challenges, threats and risks in the country’s security environment, and to strengthen and advance the official status and improve the socio-economic well-being of KSF members, during this year, together with my team, we worked on drafting the proposal for a State Program that is based on seven key pillars, as follows:
First: the implementation of the hazard pay bonus on top of the salary
Second: the implementation of shift work and on call bonus
Third: Life and health insurance services;
Fourth: Construction and operationalization of the Military Hospital for services up to the tertiary level for soldiers, policemen, soldiers and policemen and their families, the families of KSF soldiers and Kosovo Police officers who have fallen on duty, as well as for the families of martyrs, invalids and war veterans of the Kosovo Liberation Army;
Fifth: Improving the quality of food and transport;
Sixth: Ensuring affordable housing through a special program;
And, the seventh is the Establishment of a Credit Fund with special conditions for KSF Soldiers;
For all issues that require legislative changes, the Presidency will cooperate closely with the Government, the Assembly and other relevant institutions. This will include extensive consultations with institutions, specialists and interested partners, to ensure successful and sustainable preparation and implementation of the relevant program.
Through this initiative, we aim to strengthen and improve the conditions of service in the Security Force based on the experience and practices of other successful countries. In addition to the more effective military operational aspect, this program would affect the improvement of living conditions, health and socio-economic well-being of our soldiers, as well as increasing the level of professional and operational development and advancement.
We are determined for Kosovo to be a safe and contributory partner to peace, stability and regional and international security, as has been shown through the raising of the budget to over 2% of GDP, thus reaching and exceeding the standard of many NATO countries. With this state military support program, an important further step would be taken towards strengthening our capacities, as well as improving the conditions for our soldiers, ensuring that they are always ready for future challenges and successes.
With the dedication and cooperation of all competent policy-making and decision-making parties, I believe that we will achieve our joint objectives, also defined in this support program. Together, we will continue to develop our military forces into strong, prepared and dedicated forces, protecting every corner of our territory and serving all our citizens. I believe that we will address all these issues with high priority together over the coming year.
Dear parents, family members and soldiers,
I thank from the bottom of my heart all the parents and family members for the precious support that has enabled your sons and daughters to rise in the face of challenges by staying close to them and motivating them to never give up.
You inspired them to put integrity first, to choose service to country over self, and to pursue excellence in all they do and will do in their service.
In the capacity of the Supreme Commander of the Security Forces of Kosovo and on behalf of all the citizens of the country, along with the congratulations for the end of the year holidays, I congratulate you from the bottom of my heart on the title of Professional Soldier of the KSF.
May you have outstanding service with selfless commitment and maximum dedication in the realization of your mission and constitutional and legal duties.
God bless you on your sacred path!
May God bless our army and the people of Kosovo!
