Prishtina, 27 October, 2023
At the invitation of the Embassy of Turkey in Kosovo, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, participated today in the reception in honor of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Turkey.
Among the many present at this celebration ceremony, Prime Minister Kurti extended his heartiest congratulations to Ambassador Angılı, the President of the Republic of Turkey, Erdogan, and the entire people of Turkey as they celebrate a remarkable century of progress, growth and steadfast determination.
On this special day, he said that we should pay a special tribute to the figure of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, whose visionary leadership and commitment to modernization and democratization have left a permanent mark on the history of Turkey. Ataturk’s legacy is that of modernity, secularism and progress, the prime minister added.
Speaking about the relations between the two Republics and the two peoples, Prime Minister Kurti said that the two countries share a strong and stable partnership, rooted in mutual respect and cooperation, while the Albanian community in Turkey and the Turkish community in Kosovo have played a role important in fostering cultural exchange, promoting mutual understanding and enriching the social fabric of our respective societies.
“This deep exchange of ideas, traditions and experiences, across many generations, continues today to nourish our relationship, creating unbreakable bonds of friendship”, he said in his speech.
Furthermore, the prime minister highlighted that Turkey’s unwavering support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Kosovo is deeply appreciated by the people of Kosovo.
“At a time when the security of our country faces the threat of Serbian aggression, our cooperation with Turkey in the field of defense has taken on a new importance. In particular, we are grateful for Turkey’s willingness to supply our army with Bayraktar drones. “Our military has done its best to come to the aid of the Turkish people as well, immediately sending a search and rescue mission to Hatay after the devastating earthquake there earlier this year,” he added.
In marking this historic anniversary for the Republic of Turkey, Prime Minister Kurti reaffirmed his commitment to strengthen and deepen bilateral relations in the years to come.
Prime Minister Kurti’s complete speech:
Dear Excellency, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye, Tunç Angılı,
Honorable minister of the Government and members of Parliament,
Dear ambassadors, deputy ambassadors, heads of missions, chargé d’affaires and other diplomats,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am deeply honored to stand before you on this historic occasion, as we gather to commemorate the centennial anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Türkiye.
It is with great respect that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you, Ambassador Angılı, and to the people of Türkiye, as you celebrate a remarkable century of progress, growth, and unwavering determination.
As we reflect on this momentous event, we are reminded of the incredible journey that Türkiye has embarked upon since its founding. Throughout the decades, it has risen to become an influential and valued nation on the global stage. This journey stands as a testament to the visionary leadership, tenacity, and enduring commitment of the Turkish people and their leaders.
We must pay special tribute to the indomitable spirit of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, whose visionary leadership and dedication to modernization and democratization have left an permanent mark on Türkiye’s history. Atatürk’s legacy is one of modernity, secularism, and progress, setting Türkiye on a path of transformation and enlightenment. His unwavering commitment to reforming and revitalizing the nation has served as a guiding light for Türkiye and an inspiration to the world. It is through his pioneering efforts that Türkiye has become a beacon of progress in the region and beyond.
The Republic of Kosova and the Republic of Türkiye share a strong and enduring partnership, rooted in mutual respect and cooperation. The Albanian community in Türkiye and the Turkish community in Kosova have played instrumental roles in fostering cultural exchange, promoting mutual understanding, and enriching the social fabric of our respective societies.
Among the many distinguished figures in this area was the great poet, Shemsedin Bej Frashëri — more commonly known among Albanians as “Sami Frashëri” — and his son, Ali Sami Yen (Ali Sami Frashëri), a sports official and founder of the Galatasaray Sports Club. The great painter of Albanian origin, Abidin Dino, painted his most famous work at the behest of the renowned Turkish writer, Nazim Hikmeti, who asked him, “Can you paint the picture of happiness for me, Abidin?” And Abidin himself was the grandson of Abedin bey Dino, an Albanian patriot and one of the founders of the League of Prizren.
This deep exchange of ideas, traditions, and experiences, across many generations, continues even today to nurture our relationship, forging unbreakable bonds of friendship.
Türkiye’s unwavering support for Kosova’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity is deeply cherished by the people of Kosova. Your nation’s steadfast dedication to our cause has played a pivotal role in our journey towards international recognition and international integration. On the economic front as well, Türkiye has been a significant source of foreign direct investment. And at a time when the security of our country is confronted with the threat of Serbian aggression, our cooperation with Türkiye in the area of defense has taken on a newfound importance. In particular, we are grateful for Türkiye’s willingness to supply our military with Bayraktar drones. And our military has done its best to come to the aid of the Turkish people as well, by immediately dispatching a search-and-rescue mission to Hatay following the devastating earthquake earlier this year.
But let this be only the beginning: We eagerly anticipate the ongoing strengthening of our bilateral ties, and the exploration of new and even more promising avenues for collaboration in the future.
As we come together to celebrate this significant milestone, let us reaffirm our commitment to further fortify and deepen our bilateral relations in the years to come. The partnership between the Republic of Kosova and the Republic of Türkiye is not only significant but essential, and together we can continue to achieve great things.
In conclusion, Ambassador Angılı, on behalf of the Republic of Kosova and our people, please accept my highest regards and best wishes for both you and the Republic of Türkiye on this historic centennial anniversary. May our nations’ friendship and cooperation continue to thrive, guided by the vision of Atatürk, and lead us to a future filled with even greater achievements.
Finally, I’d like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the people of Türkiye and President Erdoğan.
Cumhuriyet Bayramınız Kutlu Olsun!
Thank you.
Last modified: October 30, 2023