Prishtina, November 15, 2024
Tonight, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, participated in marking the 25th anniversary of the founding of the CBK. Addressing the attendees, Prime Minister Kurti expressed that it is a unique pleasure and a distinct honor to be with them this evening as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the CBK’s founding, reflecting on the past while keeping our focus on future goals.
From the start of the CBK’s activities, as stated by the Prime Minister, the primary objective of this institution has been to establish a robust and sustainable financial system and sector. Throughout these 25 years, the CBK has undergone and shown progressive development, thereby contributing to the economic growth of our country. This was accomplished through institutional dedication and close collaboration with our international partners, whose support has been immensely meaningful throughout the whole process,” he expressed.
At this point, the prime minister highlighted that the Central Bank of Kosovo stands as the sole Central Bank in our continent capable of competing with the European Central Bank in terms of affection for the Euro, a fact it has proven over the past year like never before and unlike anyone else.
Today’s event, as he further stated, is not just a celebration of the achievements of the CBK, but also a platform where we can discuss the work that awaits us in the future. Finally, Prime Minister Kurti thanked our international partners who were there and who have been with us in the past throughout this quarter-century.
Prime Minister Kurti’s full speech:
Honorable Mr. Ahmet Ismaili, Governor of the CBK,
Honorable Mr. Alfred Kammer, Director of the European Department of the International Monetary Fund,
Honorable excellencies, ambassadors, and representatives of the friendly nations accredited in the Republic of Kosovo,
Honorable leaders and representatives of financial institutions of commercial banks in Kosovo,
Honorable governors and deputy governors who have graced us with your participation this evening,
Honorable staff of the CBK,
Honorable attendees
Ladies and gentleman,
It is a special joy and a distinct honor to be here with you tonight as we mark the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Central Bank, reflecting on the past, but always with our minds on future objectives.
From the start of the CBK’s operations, the main objective of this institution has been to establish a healthy and sustainable financial system and sector. Throughout these 25 years, the CBK has undergone and shown progressive development, thereby contributing to the economic growth of our country. This was accomplished through institutional dedication and close collaboration with our international partners, whose support has been immensely meaningful throughout the whole process.
We are all aware that the proper functioning of a country’s financial system also serves as a reflection of its economy. So, a sound financial system implies a better reputation, which then translates into more investments. With Kosovo now recognized globally among serious nations with sustainable policies due to the credit assessment by Fitch Rating Agency, the next step ahead is our integration into the Single Euro Payments Area – SEPA. This new phase in Kosovo’s sustainable financial development aims to decrease the time and expense associated with international transfers, while boosting efficiency and financial integration with EU nations, thereby creating prospects for additional economic growth and foreign investment.
One possible factor contributing to this recent achievement might be that the Minister of Finance has spent several years working at the Central Bank, while the governor of the Central Bank served as the director of the State Treasury for several years at the Ministry of Finance.
Honorable attendees,
The Central Bank of Kosovo stands as the sole Central Bank in our continent capable of competing with the European Central Bank in terms of affection for the Euro, a fact it has proven over the past year like never before and unlike anyone else.
Today’s event is not only a celebration of the achievements of the CBK but also a platform where we can discuss the work that lies ahead of us in the future. In conclusion, I would like to thank our international partners who are here with us and who have been with us in the past throughout this quarter-century. Now, as we have a clear path ahead, our collective commitment is vital in achieving our common goals as quickly as possible.
Thank you.
Last modified: November 19, 2024