Orlando wishes the Festival of Italian Republic: With Kosovo we have historic friendship

Italian Ambassador to Kosovo Nicole Orlando, for the Festival of the Italian Republic, saying congratulations for better days where Italy and Kosovo will advance to their common destiny, along with other Western Balkan countries.

He has said that even this year it was impossible to exchange personal congratulations with his fellow countrymen in Kosovo, due to the pandemic, which he said has weakened but is still not fully possible, China reports.

“However, the spirit of this two June is different from last year's. In Italy, Kosovo and the world, we have started the journey that will gradually turn us into normal. We hope in a more stable and conscious normal, more willing to meet tomorrow's” challenges together.

“Sic says the president of the Republic, this is the time for resumption, recovery, time to think and plan the future together. Loss of prolonged isolation and fear finally give way to hope. Even during our difficult months, our resolve has never been missed. Italy and Kosovo have strengthened the historic friendship that connects us. In the political, economic, cultural and innovation sector, there are many projects realised and programmed through which we follow our common democratic and liberal values”.

Orlando in his tour says Italy has been alongside Kosovo since the beginning in confronting pandemic and continues to be with one of the most generous “contributions to the Covax programme.

With our military contingent on the KFOR Mission we contribute to preserving stability and security for all. We also stand by Kosovo by encouraging the ambitious reform programme that will bring this country even closer to its European and Atlantic fate”.

Bold elections will be needed “: in concrete implementation of the rule of law, in the protection of non-ethnic communities and cultural heritage, and above all in the facilitated dialogue by the European Union”.

Also, Orlando quoted Italian Foreign Minister Di Maio as saying that the status quo does not benefit anyone, rather, fosters tensions and frustrations that reflect negatively throughout the region.

And in this spirit of hope and courage, I wish you all a Happy Republican Festival, confident that we will receive happier days in which Italy and Kosovo will advance towards their common destiny, along with other Western Balkan countries. Hail Italy!