Prishtina, 11 January, 2024
Dear Prime Minister of Ireland, Leo Varadkar,
Dear members of our delegations,
Dear citizens,
Respected members of the press,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am delighted and honored to welcome Prime Minister Leo Varadkar here today.
Ireland is among other things, renowned for its exquisite beauty and the richness of its poetry and literature. This past year’s recipient of the Booker Prize is Irish author Paul Lynch. And though his talent represents Ireland, I think his inspiration for writing a dystopian novel about how a country descends into far-right might have been sourced somewhere else. Set in alternative Dublin that has descended into totalitarianism, his book “Prophet Song” captures the anxieties of people everywhere who have had secret police show up to their doorstep to take them without a warning or those who have fled because the risk of the unknown is more palliative than the reality of the known. I can think of one or two countries that could have served as inspiration but most certainly not Ireland. Because at a time when democracy is so powerfully threatened, Ireland is a champion and model of democracy and inspiration for the countries seeking and fighting to protect those ideals.
Today, amidst global uncertainties and the threats against the European continent, Ireland stands as a testament to the strength of unity, allyship, and the enduring commitment to progress.
Over the past decades, watching the economic and social strides made by Ireland have been a source of inspiration for many countries. A substantial part of these advancements can be attributed to the leadership of Prime Minister Varadkar, embodying a young wave of positive change.
Ireland is particularly inspiring for us because there are similarities that we share. Socially, our people are known for their warmth and hospitality despite experiencing hardship. In terms of international alliances, we both enjoy an unwavering allyship and close ties with the United States of America. And more broadly, both our countries are geared towards substantial growth and social progress.
In a time where Kosova in 2021 has experienced for the first time a double-digit economic growth and continues to lead the Western Balkan countries in terms of European values and projected growth, we look forward to deepening this friendship and learning more from the experiences and success of Ireland.
Ireland is a supporter of Kosova for the accession both to the Council of Europe, when we applied during the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the European Council from Ireland, and for accession to the European Union, for which we sought support for candidate status.
Ireland has also provided early contributions, which it continues today in the field of defense through the KFOR mission in Kosova. Our country and people are always grateful and forever appreciative.
Kosova can learn from Ireland’s experience and expertise with the diaspora, as well as in sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, and technology.
Therefore, today’s meeting was a very good opportunity to discuss our bilateral relations, the possibilities we have ahead to deepen them, both economically and trade, as well as in the cultural, political, and diplomatic fields.
I now turn the floor over to Prime Minister Varadkar to share his perspectives on your visit.
Thank you!
Last modified: January 11, 2024