Begaj: Kosovo free and independent state, Ibrahim Rugova and Adem Jashar

“Kosovo, free and independent state, is fulfilling the oath of Ibrahim Rugova and Adem Jashar. It was the beginning of a new era, where the state of Kosovo was designed as a modern, democratic state, looking to the future with a steadfast Euro-Atlantic will. The Republic of Kosovo, a sovereign and independent state, has demonstrated with facts, maturity and maturity in its” positions, Begaj said.

“in these 15 years, Kosovo has managed best to respect and honour its pledge to the world through the firms of independence, that it was and will be a factor for peace and stability in Southeast Europe. Albania's brotherly connection to Kosovo is natural. We're a nation divided into two countries, against losses and victories, pain and successes, we have them in common. Albania has supported and will continue to support the Republic of Kosovo, its membership in international organisations, and will fully intensify efforts for further recognition of its legitimate independence. Our strategic partnership should be further deepened, in behalf of our states, of our nation”, he stressed.

Begaj praised the support the European Union and the United States of America have given to Kosovo.

The non-ex0 support that the European Union and the United States of America, for us and for the entire Balkans, is a guarantee as political and geographical as the future of countries in the region is not that of wars and divisions, but of dialogue and co-operation. Kosovo's application in the process for EU membership, as well as the passage of the visa liberalisation proposal, reinforced our conviction that the future of the Albanian nation will be that of being together in the large European family”.

The unprotested and untested commitment of Russia to Ukraine, as well as attempts to extend the conflict even in the Balkan region, makes us understand even better today, how important it is for the Albanian factor in the Balkans, to be known in its attitudes. The situation, created recently during serious provocations in northern Kosovo, was a clear indication that we do not have time to lose”, Gegaj said.

Albania, according to him, supports and praises dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, with EU mediation and firm US support, for reaching a comprehensive agreement that will need to focus on mutual recognition and respect of minorities.

In these 15 years, Albania has proudly seen the birth and growth of the state of Kosovo. I am fully convinced that even in the years to come, Albania will see with just as much pride the Euro-Atlantic journey of the state of Kosovo; the journey which will fulfill the dream of every Albanian within and outside our”, Begaj said.

In his address, Kosovo Ambassador to Albania Skender Durmishi spoke of Albania-Kosovo relations.

Durmish praised Kosovo's co-operation with Albania and stressed 180 interstate agreements, considering agreements for the Durres-Pristina Railway, Pristina's dry port, the unique abbeary, border crossings as historic agreements.

Our interstate relationship is very special and co-operation as well. I can hereby and solemnly state very good level of co-operation in politics, economics, foreign policy, culture and all fields”, he said.

We have 180 interstate agreements, memorandums, co-operation protocols. The figure does not make any difference as an indicator, but briefly said all areas of co-operation are already covered with judicial infrastructure. Some of the agreements are historic as the decision for the Durres-Pristina Railway, the dry Pristina port, the unique abbetar, the border crossings. Now the challenge remains in the quality of co-operation. In this direction we need to do more”, Durmish said.

Next, Durmish added that, “we should do more production, more export, more economic projects based on components, more cultural exchanges, sports league”.

Kosovo's Ambassador Durmish praised Albania's role in foreign policy, emphasising Albania's role in the Security Council, the EU Summit in Tirana and Albania's EU integration processes.

The two countries in foreign policy follow identical principles. Albania and Kosovo define for Euro-Atlantic integrations are not only political, but also state and national identity. Albania has good results in foreign policy. As long as I mention the mandate on the UN Security Council, confidence in organising the EU-Western Balkans Summit, opening negotiations with the European Union, Tirana, the European Youth Capital”, he said.