Prishtina, 3 October 2023
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, was invited today by the Embassy of Germany in Kosovo to the ceremony marking the National Day of Germany.
In his opening speech, the Prime Minister said that they gathered to celebrate and honor a key moment not only for German history, but also for European history.
“The division created by the ashes of World War II and further deepened by the Cold War was brought to an end through the determination of ordinary citizens, excellent diplomacy and honest leadership. What was once fought with bloodshed and destruction, has now been achieved peacefully, 33 years ago on this very date,” he said.
The Republic of Kosovo and its people, Prime Minister Kurti said, have been among the most fortunate beneficiaries of Germany’s unwavering commitment to human dignity, peace and security. In return, he further added, we have pledged and worked tirelessly in the daily practice of building, strengthening and sustaining unity and democracy in this country.
“The fall of the Berlin Wall preceded the unification of Germany, and in the Balkans we now have the Berlin Process, whose summit is less than two weeks away in Tirana. We strongly believe in this process. It is not only a real key to promote cooperation and development in our region, but can serve as the driving force of full EU integration for the six countries of the Western Balkans – tearing down imaginary walls, and bringing them together and stronger”, he said.
On behalf of the people of the Republic of Kosovo, the Prime Minister thanked Germany for its continuous support in recent decades.
“With gratitude for our partnership and with optimism for our European future, I wish you Reunification Day”, Prime Minister Kurti concluded his speech.
Prime Minister Kurti’s complete speech:
Your Excellency, Madame President Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu,
Your Excellency, Fatmir Sejdiu, former President of the Republic of Kosova,
Your Excellency, Atifete Jahjaga, former President of the Republic of Kosova,
Honorable Ambassador Rohde,
Honorable Diplomatic Corps,
Dear members of Kosova Police, colleagues of our Hero, Afrim Bunjaku,
Dear soldiers and officers of Kosova Security Force and KFOR,
Dear ministers and parliamentarians,
Dear friends,
Today, we gather here to celebrate and honor a pivotal moment not only for German but also European history. A division born out of the ashes of World War II and strongly deepened by the Cold War was brought to an end through the determination of ordinary citizens, fine diplomacy, and honest statesmanship. What was once fought with bloodshed and depredation has now been achieved through peace, 33 years ago on this very date.
As we know: True friends share their secrets, and Germany has openly shared what brought it together and made it strong. It became the driving force for a united Europe, helping to consolidate democratic norms and values across the union and beyond.
The ultimate secret, however, is that unity and social cohesion are an ongoing process. Achievements like democracy are often associated with singular moments, but they exist far before and extend far beyond those moments.
And a great precursor to the unification has been the leadership of former Chancellor Willy Brandt, whose pursuit of dialogue rather than of confrontation dramatically influenced the world’s ability and understanding of establishing dialogue across ideological and political boundaries.
The Republic of Kosova and its people have been among the fortunate beneficiaries of Germany’s unwavering commitment to human dignity, peace and security. In return, we have pledged and worked tirelessly on the daily practice of building, strengthening, and supporting unity and democracy in this country. While, on paper, we may appear slightly different —few would mistake us for the world’s fourth-largest economy – in a world filled with boundaries, there are ideas and values that transcend these differences. The unified population living peacefully is a value deeply shared by both the fourth-largest economy and its friend and ally, Kosova.
This very concept also characterizes the UEFA championship. As the host, Germany will demonstrate that despite historical differences, diverse cultures, and multitude of nations, we can come together in the spirit of healthy competition and camaraderie. It serves as a reminder that diplomacy can flourish on the football pitch, and friendships can be forged amid the roar of the crowd.
This event evokes historic moments, such as 1974 when West Germany hosted the FIFA World Cup and, more recently, the euphoria of 2006 when the country graciously welcomed the world. Once again, in 2024, Germany will solidify its role not only as an exceptionally organized and welcoming host but also as a strong center fostering a sense of togetherness and inclusivity.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The unity of Germany was preceded by the fall of the Berlin Wall, and in the Balkans we now have the Berlin Process, whose summit is less than two weeks away in Tirana. We strongly believe in this process. It is not only a true key to spark cooperation and development in our region but can serve as the driving force of full European Union integration for the Western Balkans Six – tearing down the imaginary walls, coming together better and stronger.
On behalf of the people of the Republic of Kosova, I thank Germany for such initiatives, and for its support over the last few decades. With gratitude for our partnership, and with optimism for our European future, I wish you a happy celebration of Reunification Day.
Thank you very much.
Ju falemnderit shumë.
Cheers.
Gëzuar.
Vielen Dank.
Prost.
Last modified: October 5, 2023