Prishtina, 17 April 2025
The acting Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, attended the farewell reception organized for the former Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Japan in Kosovo, Keisuke Yamanaka. On this occasion, he also welcomed the new Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Japan in Kosovo, Hiroyasu Tanigaki.
“Farewells are always bittersweet, but they also offer an opportunity to reflect – this time on the years of deepening ties and achievements that have brought our countries together. I am honored to be here tonight to recognize the contribution of the outgoing Chargé d’Affaires, Mr. Keisuke Yamanaka, and to warmly welcome Mr. Hiroyasu Tanigaki, as we continue to build this strong and growing partnership,” said Prime Minister Kurti.
He added that Japan remains one of our closest friends and Kosovo is proud to support Japan’s vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, and we aspire to be Japan’s most reliable partner in Southeast Europe, as we have already marked sixteen years of diplomatic relations with Japan, which is one of the first Asian countries to recognize Kosovo’s independence.
“Since 2020, Japan has had an embassy in Prishtina, a testament to our increasingly close relations. Mr. Keisuke Yamanaka has contributed greatly to this progress. He played a key role in ensuring the implementation of important initiatives, particularly through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in areas such as environmental protection, disaster preparedness, and cultural and educational exchange,” said Prime Minister Kurti.
The Prime Minister further emphasized that Mr. Yamanaka supported his official visit to Tokyo in September 2022 to attend the State Funeral of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, as well as helping to facilitate the first historic visit of Japan’s Foreign Minister, Yoko Kamikawa, to Prishtina. He added that this year is special for us, as Kosovo will participate in Expo 2025 in Osaka, joining over 160 countries and regions in showcasing our technological and cultural achievements.
“Beyond our strong diplomatic ties, Kosovo’s ICT sector and economic progress offer promising opportunities for cooperation. From infrastructure projects such as the Prishtina-Durres highway to technological ventures, there is great potential. Kosovo is already home to the largest shiitake mushroom factory in Europe, established by a Japanese company. We hope that it will be one of many examples of successful investments,” the Prime Minister concluded.
Full speech by Prime Minister Kurti:
Your Excellency ambassador Kiminori Iwama, non-resident ambassador of Japan to Kosova,
Honorable Keisuke Yamanaka, former Chargé d’Affaires,
Honorable Hiroyasu Tanigaki, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Japan in Kosova,
Dear members of parliament, ministers and deputy ministers of the government,
Dear ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions in the Republic of Kosova,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Farewells are always bittersweet, but they also offer an opportunity to reflect—this time on years of deepening ties and achievements that have brought our countries together. I am honored to be here tonight to recognize the contributions of the departing Chargé d’Affaires, Mr. Keisuke Yamanaka, and to warmly welcome Mr. Hiroyasu Tanigaki as we continue to build on this strong and growing partnership.
We’ve already marked sixteen years of diplomatic relations between Kosova and Japan — one of the first Asian countries to recognize Kosova’s independence, just a month after our declaration in 2008. Today Japan remains one of our closest friends. In turn, Kosova is proud to support Japan’s vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, and we aspire to be Japan’s most trusted partner in Southeast Europe.
Since 2020, Japan has had an embassy in Prishtina, a testament to our ever-closer relations. Mr. Keisuke Yamanaka has greatly contributed to this progress. He played a key role in ensuring the implementation of important initiatives, particularly through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in areas such as environmental protection, disaster preparedness, and cultural and educational exchange.
In music, support of our philharmonic orchestra and in sports support for our golden judokas is much appreciated.
Mr. Yamanaka supported my visit to Tokyo in September 2022 to attend the State Funeral of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, to pay my respect to a leader who worked to bring Kosova and the region closer to the European Union. Mr. Yamanaka also facilitated the historic first visit of Japan’s Foreign Minister, Madame Yoko Kamikawa, to Prishtina.
This year is particularly special for us, as Kosova will be participating in Expo 2025 in Osaka, joining over 160 countries and regions in showcasing our technological and cultural achievements.
Personally, I’ve never hidden my admiration for Japan. From the beauty of Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms, its rich cultural heritage, ancient traditions and fascinating history, to its futuristic technological innovation and contemporary literary giants like Haruki Murakami and ingenious manga artist like Hayao Miyazaki —Japan continues to inspire the world.
Beyond our strong diplomatic ties, Kosova’s ICT sector and economic progress offer promising opportunities for collaboration. From infrastructure projects such as the Prishtina-Durrës highway to technology ventures, there is a great potential. Kosova is already home to Europe’s largest shiitake mushroom factory, founded by a Japanese company. We hope it will be one of the many examples of successful investment.
At this moment of both reflection and forward momentum, we warmly welcome Mr. Hiroyasu Tanigaki and look forward to a fruitful collaboration.
Thank you very much, arigato, ju faleminderit!
Last modified: April 18, 2025