Prishtina, 14 February, 2024
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, participated this evening in the reception organized by the Japanese embassy, on the occasion of the Emperor’s birthday. His participation also comes after the meeting held earlier in the day with the non-resident ambassador of Japan, Ryuta Mizuuchi.
In his speech, Prime Minister Kurti said: “On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo and on my behalf, I send our warmest congratulations to His Majesty Emperor Naruhito on the occasion of his birthday. We convey our heartiest wishes for His Majesty’s good health, prosperity and noble endeavors for the Japanese people.”
Further, the prime minister reinforced the message of the importance of friendship, partnership and alliance with Japan and its people, mentioning also the precious help given by the Japanese government to the Kosovar refugees during the difficult period of 1998-1999, which remains embedded in our memories and precious in our hearts. Mentioned and Dr. Sadako Ogata, the UN
High Commissioner for Refugees of Japanese origin, who has played a leading role in providing aid to refugees in North Macedonia and Albania, and Professor Hisashi Owada, former president of the International Court of Justice, who led the ICJ Opinion on July 22, 2010, where it was affirmed that Kosovo’s declaration of independence did not violate international law – a contribution for which we are deeply grateful.
The Prime Minister also expressed his deep gratitude to the Government of Japan for its steadfast partnership and essential support in various development sectors.
In conclusion, he underlined that we are happy from the continuous advancement of our friendship and cooperation, evident in the deepening of our relations. “Last year’s official government visits have further strengthened our bond. We express our sincere gratitude to the Japanese Government for its decision to remove visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and official passports, starting from March 25 – an important historical moment in our bilateral relations”, said the Prime Minister
Prime Minister Kurti’s complete speech:
Your Excellency Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, President of the Republic of Kosova,
Your Excellency Ambassador Ryuta Mizuuchi, non-resident Ambassador of Japan to Kosova, and madame Akemi Mizuuchi,
Mr. Keisuke Yamanaka, Charge D’affaires, Embassy of Japan to the Republic of Kosova
Excellency ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions in the country,
Dear members of Parliament, ministers and deputy ministers of the Government,
Dear Mayors of municipalities in Kosova,
Ladies and Gentleman,
It is my privilege to extend, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Kosova and on my own behalf, our warmest congratulations to His Majesty Emperor Naruhito on the auspicious occasion of his birthday. We convey our heartfelt wishes for His Majesty’s continued good health, prosperity, and noble endeavours for the people of Japan.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Japan holds a cherished place as one of Kosova’s closest friends. Demonstrating remarkable foresight, Japan accorded recognition to the Republic of Kosova on March 18, 2008, just over a month after our declaration of independence, thus earning distinction as one of the first Asian countries to do so. This historic gesture has left a lasting mark on the collective consciousness of the people of Kosova, underscoring Japan’s unwavering support.
The invaluable assistance rendered by the Japanese Government to Kosovar refugees during the difficult period of 1998-1999 remains etched in our memories, and treasured in our hearts. Dr. Sadako Ogata, the late Japanese-born UN High Commissioner for Refugees, played a pivotal role in providing aid to refugees in North Macedonia and Albania. Additionally, the esteemed Professor Hisashi Owada, former President of the International Court of Justice, spearheaded the ICJ Advisory Opinion on July 22, 2010, which affirmed that Kosova’s declaration of independence did not violate international law—a contribution for which we are deeply grateful.
I wish to express our profound gratitude to the Government of Japan for its steadfast partnership and substantial support across various developmental sectors, including food security, environmental conservation, healthcare, support for Radio Television of Kosova and our Philharmonic Orchestra, forestry management, disaster relief, and youth empowerment. Japan stands as one of our staunchest allies, and we are committed to upholding and further strengthening this invaluable partnership.
The Olympic Games of 2021 held particular significance for Kosova, with two Kosovar judokas clinching gold medals in Tokyo. This remarkable achievement would not have been possible without Japan’s gracious hosting of the Games amidst challenging circumstances.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Kosova wholeheartedly supports the Indo-Pacific vision championed by our esteemed friends — Japan, Australia, and the United States. We eagerly anticipate greater Japanese investment in Kosova’s infrastructure projects, including renewable technologies, ski centers, railways, and other vital sectors. Moreover, Kosova enthusiastically confirms its participation in OSAKA EXPO 2025.
The enduring friendship between our nations was reaffirmed during my visit last September to pay respects to the former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, during the State Funeral in Tokyo, a respected friend of Kosova. Meetings with Prime Minister Kishida and the late Speaker of the Parliament, Mr. Hosoda, further underscored our mutual commitment to deepening our bilateral relations.
As we approach the 15th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries on February 25, this year, we express our heartfelt gratitude to the numerous Japanese friends who have contributed to Kosova’s reconstruction. I am delighted by the continued progress of our friendship and cooperation, evident in the deepening of our relations. The official government visits of the past year have further strengthened our bond. We extend sincere gratitude to the Japanese Government for its decision to waive visa requirements for diplomatic and official passport holders, effective March 25th—a significant milestone in our bilateral relations.
Dear friends,
Our affinity with Japan extends beyond diplomatic ties; we also share common cultural values. The sense of community, profound respect for the state and nation, and a strong sense of familial responsibility, transcending generations, serve as cultural bonds uniting us with Japan.
My visit to Japan provided firsthand insight into the genuine friendship of the government and people of Japan towards our country. Collaborative efforts in higher education, with students from Kosova pursuing studies in architecture and political science, alongside expressed interest from Japanese corporations in investing in Kosova, underscore the depth of our partnership. Cultural exchanges, facilitated through visits by journalists, athletes, artists, and musicians from both our nations, serve as vital conduits for fostering enduring friendships.
In closing, I extend our heartfelt appreciation, expressing our sincere gratitude to His Majesty, Emperor Naruhito, to the Government and the people of Japan.
Arigato Gozaimasu!
Last modified: February 16, 2024