Prishtina, 16 February 2026
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, participated in the opening of the exhibition “Money Tells: 100 Years of Life and Events, Bank of Albania,” held in the lobby of the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo.
Addressing those present, he stated that the exhibition that brought us together today speaks the language of history, yet its message is current and oriented toward the future. It reminds us that money is a symbol of trust, of institutional order and of the state itself, in addition to being a medium of exchange.
The Prime Minister further added that institutions are strengthened through challenges and efforts, and that the state is not only a legal structure, but also a relationship of commitment between citizens and their institutions.
“This history of trust directly connects us to the relationship between the Republic of Kosovo and the Republic of Albania. Our cooperation is neither incidental nor temporary. It originates in our shared history and continues through the institutions of our two republics,” said Prime Minister Kurti.
Referring to the cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Kosovo and the Government of the Republic of Albania, which places citizens’ needs and demands at its core, the Prime Minister noted that 58 new agreements in just four years, achieved through joint governmental meetings, represent the highest level of institutional coordination our two states have ever known.
“As we prepare to mark and celebrate the 18th anniversary of the declaration of Independence of the Republic of Kosovo, today’s event also serves as a reminder and a responsibility. A reminder of intergenerational efforts, great sacrifices, and profound suffering for freedom, independence and statehood, but also a responsibility for the development and advancement of our Republic, for cooperation and partnership with the Republic of Albania, for our citizens and for the entire nation,” the Prime Minister stated, extending his best wishes for the exhibition in both Prishtina and Tirana.
Following the visit to the exhibition, Prime Minister Kurti, accompanied by the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Saranda Bogujevci, held a joint meeting with the Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo, Ahmet Ismaili, and the Governor of the Bank of Albania, Gent Sejko.
Full Speech of Prime Minister Kurti:
First, allow me to apologize for the delay, as we were at the Assembly of the Republic where, even at this very moment, the Draft Law on the 2026 Budget is being debated. I believe I have the understanding of Governor Ismaili, who himself has served as Director of the Treasury and knows the kind of moments we are going through.
Second, allow me to congratulate you on this title, “Money Tells,” and to say that I prefer it to the English version “Money Talks.”
Third, I am here for the first time. I have never before been in this building, even though this is my third term as Prime Minister. Please take this as emphatic proof that the Government of the Republic does not interfere with the Central Bank as an independent institution of the state.
Honourable Mr. Ahmet Ismaili, Governor of the Central Bank of Kosovo,
Honourable Mr. Gent Sejko, Governor of the Bank of Albania,
Honourable Ms. Saranda Bogujevci, Minister of Culture and Tourism,
Honourable Ms. Justina Pula, President of the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo,
Honourable members of the Board and Deputy Governors of the Central Bank of Kosovo,
Honourable professors and artists,
Honored attendees,
Ladies and gentlemen,
The exhibition that has brought us together today speaks the language of history, yet its message is relevant and forward-looking. It reminds us that money is a symbol of trust, institutional order and of the state itself, in addition to being a means of exchange.
This museum presentation is a narrative about how our societies have built credibility over time: how institutions have been strengthened through challenges and efforts, and how the state is a legal structure but also a relationship of commitment between citizens and their institutions.
This history of trust also directly connects us with the relationship between the Republic of Kosovo and the Republic of Albania. Our cooperation is neither incidental nor temporary. It begins in our history and continues through the institutions of our two republics.
The Government of the Republic of Kosovo and the Government of the Republic of Albania have built a model of cooperation centered on the needs and demands of citizens. Fifty-eight new agreements in just four years, reached through joint government meetings, represent the highest level of institutional coordination our two states have ever experienced.
From the unification of school textbooks and nationwide cultural projects, to facilitating movement in border areas, recognition of diplomas, cooperation in energy, security, sports, transport, tourism and economic development, our relations are undoubtedly deepening and expanding.
Central banks have a special role as state-building institutions.
The Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo and the Bank of Albania guarantee stability and safeguard financial trust. Over the years, both have maintained exemplary and close cooperation, for which I congratulate and thank them. It is precisely on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Bank of Albania and Albanian currency that we are gathered here today.
As we prepare to mark and celebrate the 18th anniversary of the declaration of Independence of the Republic of Kosovo, today’s event also comes as a reminder and a responsibility: a reminder of intergenerational efforts, great sacrifices, and deep suffering for independence, freedom and statehood, but also a responsibility for the development and advancement of our Republic, for cooperation and partnership with the Republic of Albania, for our citizens and for the nation as a whole.
Finally, in addition to thanking you for the invitation, I wish you every success with the exhibition, both in Prishtina and in Tirana. I am convinced it will inspire not only interest and reflection, but also pride.
Thank you!
