Prishtina, 28 September, 2023
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, participated today in the round table, on the occasion of the National Day of Bosnians, an event that began with a minute of silence, in honor of the sergeant of the Kosovo Police, the Hero of the Republic, Afrim Bunjaku who on 24 September, fell in the line of duty.
In his speech to those present in this community, the Prime Minister expressed his happiness that he was among them today, thanking the Deputy Prime Minister Rexhepi who, as he said, brought us together and they can talk about topics that concern our entire society and therefore all of us.
Prime Minister Kurti, while recalling the last terrorist attack on 24 September against the Kosovo Police, said that we are all witnesses of the recent events where the terrorist attack in our country proved that our constant suspicions and claims are true and that this type of policy has followed Serbia since the 1990s.
“Our police and our Republic showed determination, professionalism, patriotism, but above all courage in the fight against the constitutional order, crime and terrorism. Our policeman Afrim Bunjaku lost his life heroically, but also showed that love and sacrifice for the country is above all. “That’s how he united us all and made us stronger. That’s why he will be remembered forever,” said the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Kurti said that it is for the common life and well-being of all communities living in Kosovo by investing every day in the further development of the economy, employment, assistance to social categories and equality between all peoples in our country.
“I am proud and at the same time grateful to Bosnians and for their contribution, as well as engagement in important issues within the country and our society. Political representatives of Bosnians are today an integral part of the government and directly influence the making of important decisions for the development of general”, he said.
The Prime Minister mentioned the distribution of 3 million euros for the non-majority communities in Kosovo, which through the Ministry of Communities and Return, they distribute to non-governmental organizations and small businesses in order to increase employment.
In Peja and Dragash, infrastructural projects and the construction of roads important for the Bosnian community will begin. We have allocated 8 million euros for this. Then, we offered an internship program for young people, among whom 9 percent are Bosnians.
As we build a common future, we must preserve and continue to cultivate tradition. For this reason and last year Emilija and I participated in the opening of the Bosnian Cultural Center in Prizren. And in August of this year, we were in Prizren for the construction of the cable car, as well as the construction of local roads in Zhupë.
“I congratulate you on the Day of Bosnians and wish you all the best”, he concluded.
Prime Minister Kurti’s complete speech:
Dear Deputy Prime Minister, Mrs. Rexhepi,
The honorable academic Mustafa Ceriq, winner of the UNESCO Peace Prize, lobbyist and great friend of the Republic of Kosovo,
Dear representatives of the Bosnian community,
Dear citizens, ladies and gentlemen,
Welcome. I am happy that we are here today, inside the Government building, among colleagues and friends. I am grateful to Emilia for bringing us together and that we can discuss topics that concern our entire society and, therefore, all of us.
We are all witnesses of recent events. The terrorist and criminal attack on our country proved true our constant suspicions and claims. The ammunition and military equipment we found inside the Banjska Monastery only confirms Serbia’s long-proven determination to destroy before building the bridges of peace, and thus the determination of the President of Serbia to disregard the Framework Agreement agreed in Brussels. Unfortunately, this kind of politics has followed Serbia since the 1990s.
Our police and our Republic showed determination, professionalism, patriotism, but above all courage in the fight against the constitutional order, crime and terrorism. Our police officer Afrim Bunjaku lost his life heroically, but he also showed that love and sacrifice for the homeland is above all. That’s how it brought us all together and made us stronger. That is why he will be remembered forever.
I am committed to common life and well-being of all communities living in Kosovo. I invest every day in the further development of the economy, employment, assistance to social categories and equality between all peoples in our country.
I am proud and at the same time grateful to Bosnians and for their contribution and commitment to important issues within our country and society. Bosnian political representatives are today an integral part of the government and directly influence the making of important decisions for the overall development.
Our government has demonstrated first of all the importance of the rule of law, the development of democracy and respect for human rights. We have achieved important results in the field of the rule of law, the fight against corruption, media freedom and parliamentarism. These results are an important step towards a better tomorrow and above all they are indicators that this society really can.
The Republic of Kosovo is a state, but also an example that economic and democratic progress go together. Our government believes that there can be no democracy without human rights, rule of law and political pluralism.
Also, we take care of all the communities living in Kosovo. This is how we allocated 3 million euros to the non-majority communities in Kosovo, which we distribute through the Ministry of Communities and Returns to non-governmental organizations and small businesses with the aim of increasing employment.
In Peja and Dragash, infrastructural projects and the construction of roads important for the Bosnian community will begin. We have allocated 8 million euros for this. Then, we offered an internship program for young people, among whom 9 percent are Bosnians. In the college, now an international state in Mitrovica, there are graduates from the Bosnian community, as well as from other communities. We have supported it with 270 thousand euros. In addition, I have initiated regular meetings with municipal officials from the ranks, and so far in several such meetings we have talked about daily problems as well as opportunities for direct assistance from the Government. Finally, on November 1, when registration begins, each house will be able to request a registration officer from the community to which it belongs, so that everyone can feel like they are themselves and provide the state with more accurate information for the community they come from.
As we build a common future, we must preserve and continue to cultivate tradition. For this reason, as early as last year, Emilija and I participated in the opening of the Bosnian Cultural Center in Prizren. And in August of this year, we were in Prizren regarding the construction of the cable car, as well as the construction of local roads in Zhupë.
The Government of the Republic of Kosovo remains committed to the well-being and equality of all citizens of our Republic.
Ladies and gentleman,
I express my gratitude for your cooperation and dedication, as well as for your valuable role for Kosovo, our common homeland.
Let’s continue to cultivate diversity as an asset, seeking solidarity with everyone and equality that does not allow anyone, anywhere to be discriminated against.
Let me wish you success, development and prosperity on the occasion of your national holiday.
Happy Bosnian Day and all the best!
Last modified: September 29, 2023