Switzerland supports Kosovo for EU membership, Keller-Sutter: The world is experiencing a deep restructuring

Keller-Sutter said that in this ambition towards the EU, Switzerland supports all Western Balkan countries.

Before President Vjosa Osmani, who is standing in Switzerland for official visit, Switzerland's president mentioned that the US is a close ally of Kosovo and said that partially motivated US policies are challenges for many countries of the world.

We also have a special relationship with the United States. Switzerland enjoys a deep and long-term partnership with the US and for Kosovo, the US is one of the closest allies. It offered irreplaceable support on Kosovo's path towards independence and international recognition”.

The current geopolitical changes, partly promoted by US politics, present new challenges for many countries. The world is experiencing a deep restructuring. We don't know what the new global balance will look like. But what we need more than ever is commitment to an international rule based on rules, peace and security, to open markets and democratic values”.

The Swiss president said her country was one of the first countries to recognise Kosovo's independence in 2008 and said it is now the privilege they are awaiting the state visit of a head of state from Kosovo.

“This visit is a testimony to different relations that have flourished between Switzerland and Kosovo, and it is an opportunity to highlight promising prospects for continued exchanges between our countries”.

“First of all, I want to recognise the fact that over 160,000 people who make up the Kosovo diaspora in Switzerland have a special role. The first workers from Kosovo came to our country since 1960s and 1970s. They contributed to Switzerland's economic growth in that period, contributing to industry, hospitality and construction”.

Later, in the 1990s, a much more painful migration wave occurred. Political unrest and ultimately war forced many Kosovars to flee their homeland. During those dark days, Switzerland offered shelter and security to tens of thousands of people. Since then, many of these families have developed new roots here and have opened up new ways for themselves”.

“Today, many Swiss second and third-generation citizens from Kosovo call Switzerland their home. They have become part of the structure of our society. Whether as football stars, teachers, mechanics, managers or politicians they have all helped shape our nation for decades. Their success stories are also Swiss success stories”.

Keller-Sutter as an example of close ties between Kosovo and Switzerland cited Kosovo's ambassador to Switzerland as actually Swiss.

“The history of migration from Kosovo to Switzerland is a story of integration and co-existence. And it's a story of solidarity with those seeking refuge”.

For more than three years, we have been experiencing war in Europe again. Russia's struggle of aggression against Ukraine reminds us that peace and self - determination can never be taken for granted. They must be protected. Kosovars understand very well what it means to stand up for freedom and self-determination”.

She said Switzerland stands firm behind international law and the territorial integrity of all states, whether in Ukraine or in Kosovo.

Our country remains committed to peace and security in the Western Balkans. We are working to strengthen democratic structures and increase confidence in rule of law”.

The Swiss president stressed that both Kosovo and Switzerland are committed to the protection of minorities and said that “this connects us more than ever in these uncertain times”./Periscopi/