Parliament at the Assembly to congratulate, mentions Hashim Thaci's declaration of independence

He, through a video recorded in front of the Parliament building in Pristina's main square, said it should celebrate the freedoms and rights that bring independence and reflect on the responsibilities and obligations of maturity.

Hargrees said that “sometimes is difficult to remember that Kosovo is the youngest state in Europe”, citing the country's progress.

The ambassador said the “United Kingdom is proud to have been with you at every step of the road, being among the first countries to recognise Kosovo's independence”.

Many here remember that moment. It was a principled decision and a steadfast belief in the future of Kosovo”, he said.

Hargrees cited former prime minister of the country Hashim Thaci, who had declared independence.

“2 days after Prime Minister Hashim Thaci made his famous statement in this building, the British Foreign Secretary addressed the United Kingdom Parliament in words still ringing: Kosovo's independence will only be the start of a challenging road forward, to build a stable, sustainable, multiethnic and democratic country, he said.

The British ambassador said their commitment “remains just as strong today to walk with you on that journey as it was in 2008”.

“also remains strong in our confidence in the importance of Kosovo leaders' pledges to build a democratic, secular and multiethnic republic, whose leaders would promote the rights and participation of all communities in Kosovo”.

After 18 years, he said that “Kosovo has gone too far along this road” and that “progress has been extraordinary”.

“In Munich this weekend, our prime minister, Keir Starmer, called for a stronger Europe and for a deeper NATO, supported by deeper ties in the field of defence, industry, technology, politics and the economy as a whole. Because these are the foundations upon which our security and well-being” will rest, he said.

This, the ambassador said, “is also the vision we have for Kosovo and its role in a strong, secure and democratic Europe”.