Prishtina, 1 August, 2024
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, this evening participated in the reception organized by the Embassy of Switzerland, in honor of the National Day.
As he called the country of Switzerland a key ally, Prime Minister Kurti began his speech by thanking Switzerland for its unwavering support to Kosovo throughout the years and the friendship between our countries, as well as particularly emphasizing the shelter of refugees there during the last war and genocide against the country ours.
“Over time, our ties have intensified and expanded. We have cooperated in the field of security and we are grateful for the deployment of the Swisscoy mission, which has increased the security of our country. The Swiss Development Agency has also played an important role in promoting sustainable development in agriculture, among many other collaborations.” said the prime minister.
Furthermore, he mentioned the holding of the first meeting of Kosovo-Switzerland friendship parliamentary groups as well as appreciated Switzerland’s support in Kosovo’s membership in international organizations, and in particular the Council of Europe, but also commercial exchanges and Kosovo’s efforts for membership in EFTA and the increase of exports with Switzerland by about 26% in the last five years.
The Prime Minister recalled the frequent and recent visits to Switzerland, which have served not only to deepen the relations between the countries, but also to increase contacts with our diaspora there, which is playing an increasingly important role in investments towards our country as well as in the social life in Switzerland, including the political one where the first Swiss of Albanian origin, Islam Alijaj, was elected as part of the National Council.
Prime Minister Kurti’s complete speech:
Your Excellency Fatmir Sejdiu, former President of the Republic of Kosova,
Your Excellency Donika Gërvalla Schwarz, deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora,
Your Excellency Jurg Sprecher, ambasador of Switzerland in Kosova,
Dear Mr. Islam Alijaj, member of the Swiss Parliament,
Honorable Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Members of Assembly,
Honorable Ambasadors, Heads of Mission, Charge d’affaires and representatives of embassies,
Honorable ladies and gentlemen,
Honorable guests,
The old saying that one has to watch who your friends are, as they reflect something about you, holds true for countries as well. In Kosova’s case, much of our progress can be attributed to the strength of our friendships, with Switzerland standing out as a key ally.
The story of our friendship predates my tenure; every Prime Minister who has come to this office has done so with a friend in Switzerland. Established in the 1960s, our relationship has grown closer through various waves of migration caused by political discrimination or economic disadvantage at home. During the war and genocide here, Switzerland’s generosity and respect for human rights opened the doors for refugees and helped alter the course of our country.
Over time, our ties have intensified and become more multifaceted. We have collaborated on security, and we are grateful for the Swisscoy deployment, which has enhanced our country’s safety. The Swiss Development Agency has also played a significant role in fostering sustainable development in agriculture, among many other collaborations.
During my three years as Prime Minister, we have further solidified this bond, with Switzerland serving as a powerful role model. The Swiss democratic system is built to have every voice count through referendums and ensures that institutions serve those who elected them. Switzerland’s groundbreaking educational institutions, like the ETH, top world rankings while being accessible to students. Its high and unwavering standards for animal and environmental protection serve as examples for the world.
In recent years, the 1,700 km distance between our countries has seemed to diminish. Politically, we held the first meeting of the parliamentary friendship groups and enjoyed Switzerland’s support in our endeavors to join international organizations, particularly the Council of Europe. In terms of trade, Switzerland has spearheaded negotiations for our bid to join EFTA, and our exports to Switzerland have increased by an average of 26% over the past five years.
I have had the privilege of visiting various parts of Switzerland. This past year, I visited the Federal Palace in Bern to meet the Former President of the Swiss Confederation, President Alain Berset, who’s present I wear everyday, Swiss Railway Workers Watch, and then attended the World Economic Forum in mountains of Graubünden, and inaugurated a showroom for Kosovar companies exporting to Switzerland in Rümlang near Zurich. I sat over dinner with our diaspora members, who are politically engaged in parties across the spectrum and watched with great delight as Islam Alijaj became the first Swiss of Albanian origin elected to the National Council, making history in many areas, including disability rights.
Each visit to Switzerland reveals its diversity and demonstrates how well people can flourish when the system works for them. I have come to admire that the most important duty of a country is to design a system that listens and serves its people, and therein lies the secret to becoming succesful at home and respected abroad. Every visit has also reinforced my gratitude for the friendship between our two countries. This was my five minute speech to friends and role models.
Happy Swiss National Day!
Last modified: August 2, 2024