DR. VJOSA OSMANI SADRIU
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOSOVO
...

President Osmani’s address at the Third Diaspora Summit held in Tirana

Honourable President Begaj,

Honourable Prime Minister Rama,

Honorable Speaker of the Assembly, Mrs. Nikolla,

Honourable Speaker of the Assembly of North Macedonia, Mr. Talat Xhaferi,

Deputy prime ministers, ministers and representatives from Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Presheva, Medvejga, Bujanoci and other Albanian lands,

Dear brothers and sisters,

Our diaspora is the sublimation of the ages long efforts for freedom, independence and state building.

Therefore, I am extremely honored to be here today in Tirana, in the city that usually gathers us Albanians wherever we are, even more so at the Summit dedicated to our diaspora, which continues to be a catalyst for positive change wherever Albanians live.

The Albanian diaspora is a symbol of stability, strength and unwavering spirit of our people and our nation.

Throughout history, Albanians, against their will, have been scattered around the globe, but always kept our rich cultural heritage, traditions and indomitable Albanian identity.

From this corner of Europe to the most distant continents, Albanians have left their mark, integrating and achieving success in the countries they emigrated to, but always preserving their foundations and roots.

Our diaspora has played an important role in each country where it lives and works, contributing skills, knowledge and unwavering dedication to the work in various fields.

Despite the challenges it has faced, the Albanian diaspora has remained deeply connected to the homeland, remaining loyal to its roots.

Fate scattered a number of our people around the world, but the strong connection with the country of origin, respect for tradition, made them never turn their backs on the homeland, becoming the most powerful bridge connecting our countries with the world .

From Kosovo, Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Presheva, Medvegja and Bujanoc, our diaspora is united in one!

While we are all gathered here today, let’s not forget that our brothers and sisters in Preshevë, Medvegjë and Bujanoc still face systematic discrimination that also results in ethnic cleansing through administrative means. As always, we say it again, that you are not alone! We are all with you, we are all with you in protecting the rights of Albanians in Preshevë, Medvegjë and Bujanoc. Therefore, even on this cause, this cause for their defense, we must and will shall be as one.

The historical role of the Albanian diaspora is extraordinary. Through challenging times, they were and are ambassadors of our culture, proponents and advocates of our cause and staunch supporters of our national aspirations.

The Albanian diaspora is undoubtedly the pillar of the national movement for freedom and independence of the Albanians.

Their solidarity and unwavering support have been a source of strength for us in our journey towards freedom, independence and democracy, but also towards the strengthening of state building and the prosperity of our people.

In the eighties and nineties, our diaspora was our voice in all decision-making centers, from Washington to Brussels, from Berlin to Paris, Rome and many other places. It was the powerful voice of an oppressed people aiming and fighting for freedom. It was our exiles that stood at the forefront of our resistance, the fight for survival and the fight for an independent and sovereign state.

But the support of the diaspora did not end there. Its contribution for decades has transformed it into a strong economic arm of families and the state of Kosovo.

This engagement never ceased.

Thanks to the contribution of our diaspora, it was possible to keep alive the parallel system of education, healthcare and culture in the nineties, at a time when the Albanian people in Kosovo were in danger of extermination.

Diaspora above all, made it possible to keep alive the political idea of the freedom and independence of our country, because each exile was, in fact, an ambassador of Kosovo in spreading the truth and protecting our right to freedom and independence.

Their path is one with the destiny of the country, so in 1997, when the fight for the freedom of Kosovo took off, many young men and women from the diaspora joined the ranks of freedom, being mobilized in the Kosovo Liberation Army, as defenders of our country.

In this way, our diaspora did not only play the supporting role for Kosovo, but became the main shareholder in the process of freedom and independence of our country.

Jusuf and Bardhosh Gërvalla, Kadri Zeka, Agim Ramadani, Sali Çekaj, the soldiers of the Atlantic battalion, and many, many others, are just a few, just a few of our heroes, who fell on the altar of freedom, being the first activists of the national issue, as members of the diaspora in the countries where they lived and worked.

But it is not only individuals, there are also many associations that gather Albanians in exile that have carried out extraordinary work, whether among Albanians in America, in Switzerland, Germany, United Kingdom, and in many other countries of Europe and of the world. But perhaps nothing proves the strong connection with the roots more than our Arbëresh people, who preserved the language and tradition for centuries.

The contribution of the Albanian diaspora to the development of the homeland is immeasurable.

Today, through remittances, investments, philanthropy and the exchange of knowledge, our diaspora continues to actively participate in the economic, social and cultural progress of our countries. They are not only citizens living in and abroad, but constitute important potential for the transformation of our states through their experience and expertise.

Diaspora also plays an important role as an agent of change and advocate for development. Their experiences create a unique perspective on our governance, social issues and policies.

In fact, the best image of Kosovo is precisely our diaspora. Hard-working people, patriots who have their place of origin, their homeland, as their compass of orientation.

Today, we have many reasons to be proud as Albanians, because many figures from our diaspora have become world references. From Dua Lipa, the pride of our country to Rita Ora and other great artists, they have always made us proud. From the magical voice of Elbenita Kajtazi and Ramë Lahaj to our footballers in various teams around the world such as Xhaka, Shaqiri, Muriqi, and many, many others, our Kosovar champion footballer Asllani and others in various sports, no matter where they played or performed, our hearts always beat in synchronicity with theirs.

Honourable participants,

Our diaspora. through many initiatives has demonstrated their creative spirit, founding and leading businesses, but also shouldering responsibilities in the sphere of politics and diplomacy.

The economic support we receive from emigrants is also decisive for our economic stability.

Data from the Central Bank of Kosovo show that the trend of remittances to Kosovo continues to increase every year.

Despite this good thing from emigration, it is not only a material contribution to the country. It is inspiration, it is inspiration and effort for a better Kosovo!

The State of Kosovo has created favorable conditions for investments by diaspora, and it is important that they can invest their experience and capital in their homeland. And with the recent changes we made in the Law on General Elections, our diaspora will finally have the right to vote in our embassies and consulates where they live. Recognizing the extraordinary role of our diaspora in the democratization of our country, the easiest realization of the right to vote is essential.

Together and each and every day, each one of us, in our own way, should create an environment where the diaspora is not only appreciated, but also empowered to contribute even further to the development of our countries.

Dear members of our expat community, thank you for your unwavering commitment, thank you for your tireless efforts and above all for your unconditional love for the motherland! Maybe we don’t say it often enough, but we understand your longing and the sacrifice each one of you made. We would never be where we are if it wasn’t for you and your support.

The state of Kosovo, the dream of many generations, also bears your seal!

Thank you!

 

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