Pristina, 12 May 2016
Minister for Dialogue of the Republic of Kosovo, Edita Tahiri delivered a lecture in the third edition of School Spring for young diplomats organized by the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kosovo and the German Foundation Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, held in Prizren.
Minister Tahiri lectured on “Euro-Atlantic integration and dialogue” where among others spoke about the development processes in Kosovo since the war for freedom and independence to the present day of building an independent and sovereign state of Kosovo. Tahiri said that our political philosophy for the state is governed by the Euro-Atlantic vision for Kosovo. Our strategic goals are to strengthen the state from within on the basic principles of democracy and the rule of law which is a prerequisite for strengthening the international position of Kosovo and its membership in the EU, NATO, UN and other relevant organizations. She spoke about the progress on the path of Euro-Atlantic integration where cited as major successes Stabilisation and Association Agreement between Kosovo and the EU and visa liberalization, emphasizing that Euro-Atlantic future of Kosovo is the aspiration and inspiration of ours to deepen reforms in every field. She stressed that Kosovo, although a new state, is proving to be one factor of peace and stability in the region, and our commitment to good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation is demonstrated in Brussels dialogue. Minister Tahiri assured the participants that Kosovo remains committed to the deepening of bilateral relations with all countries in the world, with those that have recognized Kosovo and those who have not recognized it because one day they will recognize Kosovo. She invited those countries that recognition of Kosovo to see as a contribution not only for Kosovo, but also for peace in the region. Furthermore, she spoke about regional challenges where she mentioned the need to strengthen the rule of law and the fight against corruption and crime, refugee crisis and combating international terrorism, saying that the region does not have sufficient capacities to cope with them, so there is a need to accelerate European and euro-Atlantic integration to the benefit of a permanent peace. Minister Tahiri then answered many questions from the participants and thanked the director of the Academy, Skender Durmishi and director of Foundations Friedrich Prof Dr. Wulf Lapins for the invitation to participate in this conference.
Minister Tahiri after the lecture before the new diplomats, continued the conversation closely with some of the participants, with Mrs. Agnieszka Hrdej-Januszek from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland, Dr Valbona Zeneli, George C. Marshall in Germany, Mr Thanachai Thapthong, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, Consul General of Costa Rica z. Guillermo Rojas Vargas, and German Ambassador Hans-Fochen Schmidt, Prof Dr Ronald K.McMullen, University of Iowa.
Last modified: 12 Maj, 2016