The President of the Republic of Albania, H.E. Mr. Bajram Begaj, congratulated Kosovo today on the occasion of the 18th anniversary of its Independence, as he took part in the festive ceremony held in Pristina.
During his address before the newly elected deputies at the solemn session of the Assembly of Kosovo, the Head of State honored Kosovo’s historic figures — Ibrahim Rugova, Adem Demaçi, Adem Jashari, and the fighters of the Kosovo Liberation Army — who today face injustice in The Hague. He also expressed gratitude to the international allies, the United States and the European Union, and called for strengthened Albania–Kosovo cooperation in their shared journey toward Euro-Atlantic structures.
Today, Kosovo turns 18. In the life of a person, this is the age of maturity — the moment when childhood dreams take the shape of responsibility. In the life of a state, this anniversary stands as proof that the Republic of Kosovo is an irreversible reality, a sovereign state. Kosovo was once the place where freedom was killed; today, it is the place where freedom functions, where freedom inspires,” President Begaj declared, emphasizing that Kosovo is now a tangible state with extraordinary potential — stronger than yesterday and better prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.
“Although young in years, it advances confidently toward the future and has deep roots of sacrifice, contribution, and merit,” the President stated, reaffirming Albania’s support for the KLA fighters who are currently in The Hague facing a difficult and decisive legal battle. “Albania has stood by Kosovo, stands by Kosovo today, and will stand by Kosovo for life.”
“The history of the Republic of Kosovo cannot be understood or written without the names of Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi, Rexhep Selimi and their fellow fighters. Those who yesterday led the people toward freedom are today unjustly facing fabricated charges before the international court, making all of us feel offended, prejudged, and accused. They — the Kosovo Liberation Army and all those who took up arms to seek freedom for their homeland, their families, their land, their language, and their rights — have been and will always remain, everywhere and at all times, symbols of freedom. They are state and national memory. The truth cannot be distorted and history cannot be rewritten or altered, because freedom has a name; freedom deserves respect, justice, and gratitude.”
Alongside the efforts of Albanians for Kosovo’s Independence, President Begaj underlined the irreplaceable role of allies, emphasizing that today Kosovo is among the states most faithful to Western values:
“Our eternal gratitude goes to the family of Western nations who became not only allies but also a moral conscience. Our eternal gratitude goes to the United States, to NATO, and to international friends who stopped the genocide against the people of Kosovo. Today, Kosovo is not merely a product of that support, but one of the most steadfast defenders of those values.”
The Head of State congratulated the current leaders for overcoming the political deadlock through the establishment of institutions emerging from the December 28 elections, stressing that responsible governance, courageous decision-making, and wise and determined engagement in the dialogue and European integration process are now essential.
In his remarks, President Begaj placed particular emphasis on strengthening Kosovo’s relations with Albania, describing them as organic, brotherly, and sacred. “We are one nation beating in two states. Albania is your home, just as Kosovo is our soul,” he stated, underscoring the importance of this cooperation as a duty toward future generations.
From the Parliament of Kosovo, President Begaj reinforced his call to the European community to recognize the merits of Albanians who aspire to be part of a united Europe, while guaranteeing Albania’s continued efforts in support of this path:
“This 18th anniversary reminds us that just as we stood together in the difficult days of survival, we will stand together at the tables of Brussels, to demonstrate that the Albanian spirit has been and will forever remain Euro-Atlantic. Albanians in the region — in Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia — have been and remain an important emancipating, integrating, and Europeanizing factor, contributing to peace, security, stability, and prosperity in our region and beyond.”
“There can be no complete Europe without an equal Kosovo among equals. Albania will continue to be Kosovo’s voice at every international table, until its flag flies at the United Nations and within NATO. The Republic of Kosovo deserves candidate status in the European Union and the lifting of all restrictive measures. An integrated Kosovo and an empowered Albanian factor are guarantees of stability, democracy, and good neighborly relations,” President Begaj declared.
On this 18th anniversary of Kosovo’s Independence, President Begaj also attended the parade ceremony of the Kosovo Security Force and the Kosovo Police held in Pristina. He held separate meetings with President Vjosa Osmani, Speaker Albulena Haxhiu, and Prime Minister Albin Kurti.
The discussions focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between Albania and Kosovo, enhancing cooperation among Albanians, and ensuring close coordination with strategic partners — regarded by President Begaj as the most reliable path toward reinforcing Kosovo’s role and consolidating its position within the Euro-Atlantic family.
