Ferizaj, June 27, 2025
The Acting Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, and the Acting Minister of Defense, Ejup Maqedonci, attended the certification ceremony of the 02/2025 generation of Kosovo Security Force (KSF) recruits, held at the “Bill Clinton” Sports Hall in Ferizaj.
In his address at this special ceremony, Prime Minister Kurti recalled that over the past four years, more than 300 million euros have been invested and over 2,700 new soldiers and officers have been recruited. He emphasized that Kosovo’s army is rapidly progressing toward full operational capacity as a professional and multiethnic force.
He stated that, in the face of any enemy or threat to peace and security, Kosovo is no longer what it once was. Instead, it is represented by a powerful army of young men and women who proudly wear the uniform bearing the symbol of the fearless eagle on their shoulders. Professionally and logistically prepared, our soldiers are invincible and unbreakable, while the sovereignty of the state remains untouchable and its territorial integrity inviolable.
“Dear soldiers, with your oath today, you are opening a new chapter in your life in service to the country. I know well that the weight of the uniform you wear with honor is not an easy one, but it is in the face of challenges that a person’s greatness is measured. To wake up every morning with this mission in mind and this passion in your heart is truly noble. It is a meaningful feeling to dedicate yourself to something greater than yourself. That is why I deeply value your spiritual investment, your willingness to devote your life to our homeland, to protect the lives of our citizens and the future of our youth and children — a true testament to your strength of heart and selfless character,” said Prime Minister Kurti.
He congratulated the recruits on their graduation, assuring them that they will always have the support of the people, the state, the government, and himself personally. He also thanked the families of the recruits present at the ceremony for their support, describing it as extraordinary and irreplaceable.
The certification ceremony was attended by senior state officials, officers and non-commissioned officers of the Ministry of Defense and the Kosovo Security Force.
Full speech of Prime Minister Kurti:
Dear Mr. Ejup Maqedonci, Minister of Defense of the Republic of Kosovo,
Dear Commander of the Kosovo Security Force, Lieutenant General Bashkim Jashari,
Dear Commander of the Doctrine and Training Command, General Jeton Dreshaj,
Dear officers,
Dear recruits, family members, and all those present,
Dear partners,
We are concluding June—a month of significant historical events, political and military mobilization for freedom and independence— we are concluding it this year by adding another 350 new soldiers to the ranks of the Kosovo Security Force.
Nearly three decades ago, when the General Staff of the Kosovo Liberation Army was formed, the driving force behind KLA members was the ideal of liberation, and patriotism served as the motivation amid worries that even the last box of ammunition might run out. Today, each of you is equipped with personal weapons without concerns over ammunition shortages, because our army is better supplied than ever before with military arsenal and modern weapons systems. It is expected that within two years, the first state-owned ammunition production factory will be built in the Republic of Kosovo. With over 300 million euros invested in the past four years and more than 2,700 new soldiers and officers recruited, the Kosovo army is advancing rapidly toward full operational capacity as a professional, multiethnic force.
The dream of all those who sacrificed for freedom is being realized today by you, dear recruits. The Kosovo Army, built upon the sacrifice of the martyrs—led by the Supreme Commander Adem Jashari—and in perfect symbiosis with the doctrines of NATO member states, has reached the level of a professional army that is interoperable with the armed forces of partner countries and ready to take part in any multinational operation.
Dear soldiers, as recruits, you have now mastered the foundations of military art—learning the techniques of combat and battlefield conduct for both individual and team operations. Above all, you have attained physical readiness, mental and emotional security, as well as the knowledge and skills to lead in any operational environment, regardless of conditions or scenarios. These are essential elements for building mutual trust.
Building bridges of communication and cooperation is crucial not only for internal functioning within the army but also for maintaining strategic and military-diplomatic relations with partner countries. While the world faces increasingly diverse threats, our country has deepened its cooperation with strategic allies and partners. This year, Kosovo hosted and also participated in the largest international military exercise led by the U.S. Army, Defender Europe 2025, for the third time. We signed a military framework agreement with the Republic of Turkey, and also reached a trilateral agreement to strengthen defense cooperation between Kosovo, Albania, and Croatia. Our cooperation with Albania has multiplied, with Croatia it has increased twentyfold, and we have deepened our defense collaboration with both the United Kingdom and Germany.
Faced with enemies or any threat to peace and security, it is no longer the Kosovo of the past. It is the Kosovo Army, with many young men and women like you proudly wearing the uniform adorned with the fearless eagle on your shoulder. Our soldiers are professionally and logistically prepared, undefeatable, and unbreakable. Our state sovereignty is inviolable, and our territorial integrity is untouchable.
Dear recruits,
With today’s oath, you are embarking on a new chapter in life—one dedicated to the service of the nation. I know well the weight of the uniform you wear with honor is not easy, but it is in the face of hardship that human greatness is measured. To wake up every morning with this mission in mind and this passion in heart is truly noble.
It is a powerful feeling to dedicate yourself to something greater than yourself. That’s why I deeply value your spiritual investment, your readiness to devote your life to our homeland, to protect the lives of our citizens, and to ensure a future for our youth and children—testimony to your strong hearts and selfless character.
In closing, I want to congratulate you on your graduation. Know that you will always have the support of the people, the state, the government—and mine personally—for all time.
I also extend heartfelt thanks to your families who are here today, for the support they’ve given you—support that is extraordinary because it is irreplaceable.
May you always be healthy and strong for our entire homeland at all times!
Congratulations! May you always bring honor!
