Prishtina, 25 October, 2024
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, participated yesterday in the reception organized by the Embassy of Austria to mark the National Day of Austria, where he was the key speaker.
In his speech, he said that it is a great pleasure to celebrate together the National Day of Austria, a country of great importance for our Republic, for the political and economic support it has given us over the years, but also for our relations cultural and historical strength.
“Austria and Kosovo have built a strong partnership over decades, starting with your help during the difficult years of occupation and war and then continuing with the recognition of our independence in 2008,” the prime minister highlighted.
But today, he further said, our relations have taken on a new dimension. With around 100,000 Kosovars and Austrian citizens of Kosovo origin living, working and studying in Austria, we have created a lasting bridge between our peoples, a bridge built on mutual respect and shared values.
“Exports and imports between our two countries are always increasing, while according to the Central Bank of Kosovo, almost half a billion euros is the amount of Austrian direct investments in our country”, he added, where he said, among other things, that in addition to important Austrian investments in the banking sector , energy and services of Kosovo, we have also strengthened cultural and artistic ties.
The prime minister also underlined the strong Austrian support for Kosovo in European integration and membership in international organizations, while also thanking the Austrian KFOR soldiers for their contribution to peace and security not only in our country but throughout the region. “With its commitment and dedication, Austria is undoubtedly part of the history of Kosovo and the future of Kosovo”, he emphasized.
At the end of his speech, Prime Minister Kurti thanked Ambassador Schnetzer for his dedication and hard work and wished the Austrian people a Happy Austria National Day.
Prime Minister Kurti’s complete speech:
Your excellency Mr. Schnetzer, Ambassador of Austria in the Republic of Kosova,
Dear sister Maria Martha Fink,
Honorable ministers and deputy ministers, members of Parliament,
Honorable ambassadors, chiefs of missions, chargé d’affaires,
Honorable ladies and gentlemen, religious leaders, university professors and civil society representatives,
It is a great pleasure to celebrate Austria’s National Day together tonight – a country of vast importance to our Republic, for the political and economic support it has given us over the years but also for our strong cultural and historical ties. From Skanderbeg’s helmet at the Welt-Museum in Vienna to Austrian incredible authors like Johannes Georg von Hahn, Gustav Meyer and Leo Freundlich and Norbert Jokl and many many more who, I believe, paved the way for politicians like Erhard Busek, Alois Mok, Franz Vranitzky and Albert Rohan to help us so much at the end of the last century and at the beginning of this one.
Austria and Kosova have built a strong partnership over the decades, starting with your assistance during the difficult years of occupation and war and then continuing with the recognition of our independence in 2008. But today, our relations have taken on a new dimension. With around 100,000 Kosovars and Austrian citizens of Kosovar origin living, working, and studying in Austria, we have created a lasting bridge between our peoples, a bridge built on mutual respect and shared values.
Exports and imports between our two countries are ever increasing, whereas almost half a billion euros is the amount of Austrian direct investments in our country, according to the Central Bank of Kosova.
In addition to significant Austrian investments in Kosova’s banking, energy, and service sectors, I am pleased to say that we have also strengthened our cultural and artistic ties. I am proud that our cultural cooperation is flourishing, and I look forward to seeing it expand further through new projects and cultural exchanges.
I also want here to underline the strong Austrian support for European Integration and joining international organizations. My gratitude also to Austrian KFOR soldiers for their contribution for peace and security and safety not only for Kosova but also for the entire region. With its engagement and commitment, Austria is undoubtedly part of Kosova‘s history and Kosova’s future alike.
Ambassador Schnetzer, thank you for your dedication and hard work. But let me tell you that once you’ll be done in Kosova – Kosova is not done with you. For example, last November, during my visit to Vienna, I met there with the previous Ambassador to Kosova, Mr. Christoph Weidinger. Together we visited the Kunsthistorisches Museum, jointly admiring the many artistic masterpieces there. I am not going to mention them by their names since I enjoy too much also listening their names, and time is too short.
Perhaps, Ambassador Schnetzer, after your term, we could organize a joint visit and celebrate this heritage and our friendship with a Viennese coffee in hand, the best coffee in the world by far especially after noticing a Mozartkugel nearby the coffee cup, or, a Linzer Torte, which would do equally well. Who knows, we might even test ourselves on whom the helmets suit best. Helmets without the swords, of course.
Thank you Ambassador for your continued support and sincere friendship. I am convinced that the future will bring even more opportunities to expand and deepen our collaboration.
Happy Austria’s National Day and Prost to all of you!
Last modified: October 25, 2024