Swiss President: Switzerland cannot be imagined without Kosovars

Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter, after thanking Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, who has accepted the invitation for the state visit, praised her country's relationship with Kosovo.

At a news conference after the meeting, the Swiss president has declared that her country will continue to support Kosovo. She also cited the role of the Albanian diaspora in deepening reports between the two friendly countries.

Kosovo is a new, newest European country, but the contacts have been linked to a past. In the sixteen ' s, Kosovo workers came to Switzerland, later even refugees who found a new home in us. Today, Switzerland cannot be imagined without people of origin from Kosovo. One hundred and fifty thousand, no matter how you count them. They have played an important role in shaping our country in recent decades... Switzerland will continue to support Kosovo on its path”, she said.

President Karin Keller-Sutter indicated that with President Vjosa Osmani they have also talked about economic relations, the issue of migration and projects Switzerland supports democracy and peace with.

Lasting peace in the region and a European perspective for Western Balkan countries for Switzerland have high priority, according to President Keller-Sutter.

She said security in the Western Balkans is the precondition for security in general in Europe, while adding that it must be taken care not to turn on new crisis centres.

We often talk about war in Ukraine, but we have to make sure that crisis centres in other countries don't flare up again. As you know, Switzerland is present within KFOR and will remain so until necessary”, Keller-Sutter said.

On the other hand, she said Switzerland has always supported Kosovo on its road to membership in multilateral organisations.

“Sevicra in general has always supported Kosovo in multilateral organisations and I had said that even during the preparation of roads in these organisations, we co-operation towards democracy and rule of justice have given support to”, she said.

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani is standing for an official visit to Switzerland, where she is hosted with highest state honours.

In the speech given at the Swiss Federal Palace, President Osmani said Switzerland became a powerful lawyer for the freedom of Kosovo and for many Kosovo citizens who took refuge in the country during the war.

“Here in Switzerland, many of Kosovo's freedom efforts found support and protection and we will never forget this”, President Osmani stressed. /kp/