Dear President Joe Biden and the entire Biden Family,
\nGood evening from the most pro-American nation in the world.
\n\u00a0
\nDear Speaker of Parliament Konjufca, Dear Prime Minister Kurti,
\nDear Ambassador Kosnett,
\nDistinguished guests,
\n\u00a0
\n\u201cYou are not here merely to make a living\u201d, said the 28th\u00a0President of the United States of America.
\n\u00a0
\n\u201cYou are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand.\u201d
\n\u00a0
\nPresident Wilson, whose actions brought peace to the entire world, in these remarks was referring to an individual\u2019s service to their country.
\n\u00a0
\nI too, vehemently believe there is no cause more noble than to serve.
\n\u00a0
\nAnd there are few people like the late Joseph Robinette \u201cBeau\u201d Biden III (the third) who displayed this commitment to country and service day-in, day-out.
\n\u00a0
\nFrom serving as a captain in the Delaware Army National Guard with deployment in Iraq, to serving as a prosecutor in the U.S. attorney's office in Philadelphia for nine years, or indeed being twice-elected Attorney General in Delaware.
\n\u00a0
\nAnd a little closer to home, Beau Biden worked in Kosovo after the war to build an independent and professional judicial system, and to strengthen the rule of law.
\n\u00a0
\nI am, therefore, honored and delighted to gather you all here today to formally recognize and celebrate the contribution Beau Biden has given this country.
\n\u00a0
\n\u00a0
\nRule of Law, as you know, is not only a subject close to my heart, but also something which I have dedicated my entire professional career to. The pursuit of justice and strengthening the Rule of Law is not just as an abstract theoretical or academic subject; it is close to my heart precisely because I believe it should be present in our actions. And precisely because it directly impacts the lives of our citizens. I believe it is the fundamental precondition to our success as a country.
\n\u00a0
\nWhat Beau Biden started, alongside U.S. colleagues, with the establishment of institutions and training of judges pre-Independence, today forms a key pillar of all of Kosovo\u2019s most important institutions. The desire to further strengthen the Rule of Law was made overwhelmingly clear at the ballot box earlier this year. Our citizens have spoken, and as institutions it is our moral and political duty to ensure we push forward with reforms in our justice system.
\n\u00a0
\nIn addition to the personal relations and contributions of individuals over the last three decades, what is also truly unique is the genuine bond and affection our two countries have for one-another.
\n\u00a0
\nWhat the United States and the American people have done for our country, for our freedom, for our right to exist, goes beyond any partnership currently witnessed around the world. In the good days, in the bad, in lightness and in darkness, we feel your hand on our shoulder.
\n\u00a0
\nMr President, I say this to you and all citizens of the United States \u2013 Kosovo is your home too. To your service men and women, to the diplomatic staff and to all the people of America who wish to visit here \u2013 we will always see you as one of our own and you will always be welcomed here by our institutions, but most importantly by each and every one of our citizens.
\n\u00a0
\nAmerican flags will continue to fly high and with great pride across the Republic of Kosovo \u2013 this is our way of showing our gratitude for decades of support through people like Beau and every single United States citizen that has contributed to our peace, security and statehood.
\n\u00a0
\nThe thing about Beau is, his legacy lives on \u2013 his actions continue to inspire us here today in Kosovo and inspire those whose lives he changed throughout the United States. Indeed, President Biden once said \u201cBeau was my soul\u201d, and it\u2019s clear that Beau\u2019s work and commitment continues to inspire President Biden.
\n\u00a0
\nHe recently wrote to me: Kosovo \u201cholds a special place for the Biden family in honor of the time our late son Beau Biden spent working to ensure peace, justice and the rule of law for all the people of Kosovo.\u201d
\n\u00a0
\nAnd during a previous visit to Kosovo, in memory of his son, President Biden said: \u201cBeau loved it here, he grew to love the people. He had an overwhelming sense of affection\u201d for it.
\n\u00a0
\nAs our international friends and partners know too well: Kosovo is a small country, but it has a big heart. Many, if not all, fall in love with our country, its people and our traditions when they are given the opportunity to spend time here.
\n\u00a0
\nBut I have to say, in the same way that Kosovo holds a special place in the hearts of the Biden Family, I can confidently say on behalf of the people of Kosovo that the Biden family and the American people hold a special place in\u00a0our\u00a0hearts.
\n\u00a0
\nMuch like his beloved son, the President has made an outstanding contribution to our country. As I often say, President Biden was our voice when we did not have one. He fought to put Kosovo on the map when many around the world were unwilling to engage with our struggle against systemic discrimination and segregation perpetrated by the then-Milosevic regime. President Biden was a vocal advocate in the Senate for NATO intervention in 1999 which put an end to war crimes and genocide in Kosovo.
\n\u00a0
\nAnd later on, when Kosovo faced some of its biggest post-war challenges, such as preparing our declaration of Independence, President Biden said that it was Beau\u2019s \u201cstrong belief from having been here in the depths of very difficult times that made me confident that calling for the independence of this great country was the right thing to do.\u201d
\nAnd when he visited our Parliament in 2009, President Biden spoke words that continue to echo throughout our efforts to protect our freedom and strengthen our independence. He said, \u201cyour independence is irreversible\u2026absolutely irreversible\u201d.
\n\u00a0
\nIt\u2019s clear throughout President Biden\u2019s work that his son inspired him when he was alive, but also continues to inspire him today.
\n\u00a0
\nAnd to this very day, the United States continues to show deep respect and affection for our people. Even in the most challenging time for the world, during a global pandemic, America has donated a significant number of Pfizer vaccines to Kosovo. Once again, Mr President, we express our heartfelt gratitude.
\n\u00a0
\nTo the Biden family,
\n\u00a0
\nThe loss of a child is the ultimate tragedy. And to possess the strength and the ability to turn that pain into motivation to change the world for the better is something which should serve as an inspiration for all. President Biden\u2019s commitment to his country, and to making this world a better place, is second-to-none.
\n\u00a0
\nBefore we watch the video address from the US President, I\u2019d like to say a final few words on my impression on the late Beau Biden.
\n\u00a0
\nAs they saying goes: \u2018Good people are like candles, they burn themselves up to give others light\u2019.
\n\u00a0
\nAnd the very best people do this without even knowing it. I believe, the true measure of a good person is the everlasting impact you leave behind. That is, the people you inspire along the way, the hearts you touch and the lives you change without even knowing it.
\n\u00a0
\nThe late Beau Biden was one of these people. He is the burning candle that has given so many people light.
\n\u00a0
\nIn our darkest days, the Biden Family has also given the people of Kosovo light.
\n\u00a0
\nMr President,
\n\u00a0
\nAs President of the Republic of Kosovo, I assure you that Beau\u2019s work and that of his U.S. colleagues will never go to waste. We will make Kosovo the country it has the potential to be. We will make Kosovo the country our people deserve. Mr.President: We will make you proud.
\n\u00a0
\nFor all you do for the people of this beloved country, Thank you.
\n\u00a0
\nGod Bless the Republic of Kosovo, and God Bless the United States of America.
\n\u00a0
\nMay Beau\u2019s soul rest in peace and may his legacy always guide us to do what is right and to serve our people and our country with dignity and honor.
\n\u00a0
\nZoti e bekoft\u00eb Republik\u00ebn e Kosov\u00ebs, Zoti i bekoft\u00eb Shtetet e Bashkuara t\u00eb Amerik\u00ebs. I perjetshem qofte kujtimi per Beau Biden.<\/p>\n
Faleminderit.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Dear President Joe Biden and the entire Biden Family, Good evening from the most pro-American nation in the world. \u00a0 Dear Speaker of Parliament Konjufca, Dear Prime Minister Kurti, Dear Ambassador Kosnett, Distinguished guests, \u00a0 \u201cYou are not here merely to make a living\u201d, said the 28th\u00a0President of the United States of America. \u00a0 \u201cYou are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand.\u201d \u00a0 President Wilson, whose actions brought peace to the entire world, in these remarks was referring to an individual\u2019s service to their country. \u00a0 I too, vehemently believe there is no cause more noble than to serve. \u00a0 And there are few people like the late Joseph Robinette \u201cBeau\u201d Biden III (the third) who displayed this commitment to country and service day-in, day-out. \u00a0 From serving as a captain in the Delaware Army National Guard with deployment in Iraq, to serving as a prosecutor in the U.S. attorney's office in Philadelphia for nine years, or indeed being twice-elected Attorney General in Delaware. \u00a0 And a little closer to home, Beau Biden worked in Kosovo after the war to build an independent and professional judicial system, and to strengthen the rule of law. \u00a0 I am, therefore, honored and delighted to gather you all here today to formally recognize and celebrate the contribution Beau Biden has given this country. \u00a0 \u00a0 Rule of Law, as you know, is not only a subject close to my heart, but also something which I have dedicated my entire professional career to. The pursuit of justice and strengthening the Rule of Law is not just as an abstract theoretical or academic subject; it is close to my heart precisely because I believe it should be present in our actions. And precisely because it directly impacts the lives of our citizens. I believe it is the fundamental precondition to our success as a country. \u00a0 What Beau Biden started, alongside U.S. colleagues, with the establishment of institutions and training of judges pre-Independence, today forms a key pillar of all of Kosovo\u2019s most important institutions. The desire to further strengthen the Rule of Law was made overwhelmingly clear at the ballot box earlier this year. Our citizens have spoken, and as institutions it is our moral and political duty to ensure we push forward with reforms in our justice system. \u00a0 In addition to the personal relations and contributions of individuals over the last three decades, what is also truly unique is the genuine bond and affection our two countries have for one-another. \u00a0 What the United States and the American people have done for our country, for our freedom, for our right to exist, goes beyond any partnership currently witnessed around the world. In the good days, in the bad, in lightness and in darkness, we feel your hand on our shoulder. \u00a0 Mr President, I say this to you and all citizens of the United States \u2013 Kosovo is your home too. To your service men and women, to the diplomatic staff and to all the people of America who wish to visit here \u2013 we will always see you as one of our own and you will always be welcomed here by our institutions, but most importantly by each and every one of our citizens. \u00a0 American flags will continue to fly high and with great pride across the Republic of Kosovo \u2013 this is our way of showing our gratitude for decades of support through people like Beau and every single United States citizen that has contributed to our peace, security and statehood. \u00a0 The thing about Beau is, his legacy lives on \u2013 his actions continue to inspire us here today in Kosovo and inspire those whose lives he changed throughout the United States. Indeed, President Biden once said \u201cBeau was my soul\u201d, and it\u2019s clear that Beau\u2019s work and commitment continues to inspire President Biden. \u00a0 He recently wrote to me: Kosovo \u201cholds a special place for the Biden family in honor of the time our late son Beau Biden spent working to ensure peace, justice and the rule of law for all the people of Kosovo.\u201d \u00a0 And during a previous visit to Kosovo, in memory of his son, President Biden said: \u201cBeau loved it here, he grew to love the people. He had an overwhelming sense of affection\u201d for it. \u00a0 As our international friends and partners know too well: Kosovo is a small country, but it has a big heart. Many, if not all, fall in love with our country, its people and our traditions when they are given the opportunity to spend time here. \u00a0 But I have to say, in the same way that Kosovo holds a special place in the hearts of the Biden Family, I can confidently say on behalf of the people of Kosovo that the Biden family and the American people hold a special place in\u00a0our\u00a0hearts. \u00a0 Much like his beloved son, the President has made an outstanding contribution to our country. As I often say, President Biden was our voice when we did not have one. He fought to put Kosovo on the map when many around the world were unwilling to engage with our struggle against systemic discrimination and segregation perpetrated by the then-Milosevic regime. President Biden was a vocal advocate in the Senate for NATO intervention in 1999 which put an end to war crimes and genocide in Kosovo. \u00a0 And later on, when Kosovo faced some of its biggest post-war challenges, such as preparing our declaration of Independence, President Biden said that it was Beau\u2019s \u201cstrong belief from having been here in the depths of very difficult times that made me confident that calling for the independence of this great country was the right thing to do.\u201d And when he visited our Parliament<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":19057,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[111],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-67226","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n