Prishtina, 14 November 2025
Your excellency Grégoire Cuvelier, Ambassador of Kingdom of Belgium in the Republic of Kosova,
Honorable Mr. Dimal Basha, Speaker of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosova,
Dear Members of Parliament and Ministers of the Government,
Honorable ambassadors, heads of missions, charges d’affaires and representatives of embassies,
Presidents Fatmir Sejdiu dhe Atifete Jahjaga,
Dear soldiers and officers of Kosova Security Force and KFOR,
Distinguished guests, dear friends,
It is a great pleasure to join you this evening in celebrating the King’s Day of Belgium. This is not only a day to honor but also to celebrate the remarkable history, unity and spirit of the Belgian people. Allow me, therefore, on behalf of the people and Government of the Republic of Kosova, to extend our warmest congratulations and best wishes to His Majesty the King, to Prime Minister Bart De Wever, and to the friendly people of Belgium.
The story of Belgium is one of resilience, diversity, and creativity. It is a story of a country at the heart of Europe, for many, indeed, the heart of Europe itself. Just like Europe, Belgium has always found strength in its unity and richness in its differences. From the Burgundian legacy that shaped Europe’s artistic and political traditions, to the medieval tapestries of Bruges and the surreal canvases of Magritte, from the voice of Jacques Brel to the invention of Adolphe Sax, whose saxophone gave new sound to the world – Belgium has inspired generations with its art, music, and imagination. Across Flanders and Wallonia, from Antwerp to Namur, from Ghent to Liège, Belgium’s creativity and humanism continue to embody the very best of Europe: a harmony of languages, cultures, and ideas.
Kosova and Belgium share more than just friendship. We share values. Our relationship is grounded in democracy, in our common European destiny, and in the belief that peace and justice must always prevail. Belgium stood by Kosova at critical moments: from the times of peaceful resistance against repression in the 1990s, to the war for liberation and independence in 1998–1999 that ended years of suffering. And afterwards, Belgium continued to support Kosova’s reconstruction, development, and statehood.
Belgium was among the first to articulate the legal and moral foundation of the West’s humanitarian intervention in Kosova, and among the first to recognize our independence in 2008. Since then, it has remained a principled and consistent supporter of our sovereignty and Euro-Atlantic integration. We deeply appreciate that support, not just in words, but in deeds as well: through regular political consultations, through justice and police cooperation, through the recent defense partnership agreements, and through Belgium’s continuous advocacy for Kosova within the European Union and the Council of Europe.
Today, our relations are stronger than ever. Belgium’s decision to upgrade its diplomatic presence in Prishtina to a full Embassy in October 2023, and the expected accreditation of Kosova’s Defence Attaché in Brussels, mark new milestones in our partnership. We also welcome Belgium’s return this year as a contributor to KFOR. It is a gesture that reaffirms Belgium’s long-standing commitment to peace and stability in Kosova and throughout the Western Balkans. We are now working together to deepen cooperation, from trade and economic opportunities to education, justice, and security. The Belgian model of good governance and pluralism continues to inspire us as we build a democratic, fair, and prosperous Kosova.
Kosova, too, continues to change for the better. We are the most advanced democracy in the region, fully aligned with EU foreign and security policy, committed to reforms, and steadily improving our economy and rule of law. We are grateful to Belgium for its constant friendship, for its engagement within NATO and the EU, and for the solidarity of its people, including our vibrant diaspora who have made their homes in cities like Brussels, Antwerp, Namur, Liège, Ghent, and Bruges. They, too, are a living bridge of goodwill between our peoples.
As Belgium celebrates this King’s Day, we celebrate with you — the enduring values of liberty, solidarity, and human dignity that unite us. May our partnership continue to grow, guided by the same ideals that Belgium has long embodied: freedom, compassion, and a deep commitment to Europe’s shared future.
Vive le Roi! Vive la Belgique! Rroftë Belgjika! Rroftë miqësia midis Kosovës dhe Belgjikës! Ju faleminderit. Thank you.
