Prishtina, July 3, 2023
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, highlighted the positive relations and productive outcomes resulting from the collaborative efforts between the Government of the Republic of Kosovo and Austria’s diplomatic body, during the reception hosted by the Austrian Embassy in Kosovo to mark the conclusion of Ambassador Weidinger’s term.
Ambassador Weidinger’s work in Kosovo has exemplified this positive interaction between foreign diplomacy and the local government,” expressed Prime Minister Kurti in his opening remarks.
Additionally, he stressed that Austria has played a crucial part in shaping Kosovo’s statehood and advancing our region. The country has long been investing in our democratic progress and has been a strong advocate for our international recognition. The Prime Minister highlighted the Austrian Development Cooperation Agency for its substantial contribution through projects encompassing diverse areas, with a primary focus on education.
The Prime Minister Kurti expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Weidinger by stating that during his time in Kosovo, he has been a key factor in promoting a special relationship between our two countries, advocating for the best Austrian values and the best values of our country.
Prime Minister Kurti’s full speech:
Honorable Ambassador Weidinger,
Honorable ministers,
Honorable diplomatic body,
Honorable guests,
Despite appearing to have the most pleasant job in this place, I must acknowledge that one of the less pleasant aspects of this job is having to bid farewell to those I work with, due to the inherent nature of public service mandates. There is a bitter element to it.
Today I would like to reflect on a good working relationship and the fruitful results that come from the joint work of the Government with the diplomatic body. The mission of Ambassador Weidinger in Kosovo has embodied this positive synergy between foreign diplomacy and the local government.
Ambassador,
You represent a country that has played a significant role in the formation of the state of Kosovo and in the development of our region. Austria has been investing in the democratic progress within our country for a long time and has also defended our international recognition.
Austria has been a significant partner within the country in our efforts to enhance our democracy, uphold the rule of law, and develop our market economy. In this field, special recognition is given to the Austrian Development Cooperation, a ministry-directed tool that has had a substantial impact around the world. In Kosovo, the Austrian Development Agency – the implementing arm of the initiative – has made a significant contribution through projects that cover various fields, but largely focus on education. Over the past years, the Austrian Development Agency has been at the forefront of a project aimed at facilitating the employment of young individuals from Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities, with a strong emphasis on social inclusion through financial and academic assistance.
In addition to this, Austria itself has been a major donor to UNICEF in Kosovo. The synergy between the values our government upholds and the dedicated efforts of the Austrian government has resulted in tangible progress in the country over the past two years.
During his tenure, ambassador Weidinger has not only made it his mission to advocate for the values of Austria here, but has also taken the initiative to learn our values by expressing genuine interest and a true curiosity to familiarize himself with our country and its people. Naturally, he has accompanied numerous Austrian delegations, both central and local authorities in Kosovo, resulting in a pleasant and enriching experience for everyone.
Throughout his time in Kosovo, I have consistently looked forward to the one-on-one meetings with Ambassador Weidinger, where we have discussed the steps, possibilities, and challenges that the country encounters on its journey towards crucial democratic reforms and equally significant economic achievements.
Dear Christoph – during your stay in Kosovo, you have played a crucial role in fostering a unique bond between our two nations: advocating for the finest Austrian values and the best of Kosovo’s. Indeed, your presence as ambassador here was a win for everyone.
Personally, it was a pleasure to meet and spend time with such an intelligent and enthusiastic admirer of the visual arts and diverse themes, ranging from music to painting, literature, philosophy, and chess, but with a slightly conservative mindset, in order to ensure the excellence of our relationship, we haven’t engaged in playing chess, we have only conversed about it.
Ambassador Weidinger, we sincerely appreciate your valuable contributions and genuine concern for the prosperity of the nation. I am sure that the road ahead is bright and in which you will be just as essential for noble causes. I would also like to state that a friend of Kosovo remains a friend of Kosovo forever, so you can always be confident that this country and I will happily receive you whenever you decide to visit.
Thank you!
Last modified: July 5, 2023