Prishtina, 29 September 2022
Dear Madame President Vjosa Osmani Sadriu,
Dear Ambassador Rohde,
Members of Parliament and Ministers of Government,
Dear Diplomatic Corps,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a pleasure to be here with you tonight and toast to the Day of the German Reunification.
The 3rd of October 1989 was an end and a beginning.
It was the end of 45 years of division. So we celebrate this day not only because it brought together what belonged together – but also because it marked the end of real danger for Europe and its peace.
On the other hand, it was the beginning because not only would the two reunited Germanies begin their common future, but also we could sense the iron curtain starting to tear apart, making way for freedom and democracy.
Anyone who has dealt with the history of that reunification knows very well that this was anything but easy, that it was not really wanted by all actors – let alone actively supported. Many German politicians deemed it even impossible, though never daring to say that out loud. But to borrow the words of Willy Brandt: History knows no last word.
This day should be remembered and celebrated with joy – Germany underwent a peaceful revolution. People in the German Democratic Republic would not fear anymore deadly shots at the border or beingspied by their very own state.
This peaceful revolution came about not just because it was the people’s will but also because NATO and the European community stood firm, because wise and far-sighted leaders from Gorbachev to Reagan, from Mitterand to Kohl could see the signs of their time.
From this experiences we learn and grow.
Kosova and its people therefore are glad to know a united, democratic Germany, its good people and trusted government by its side. This is why the people of Kosova celebrate this day with you.
All of us here know that our friendship is special.
It is not solely based on strategic, political or economic interests: It is much more –we do share the same understanding of basic human rights and liberaland social values.
We have this bond that is strong, this bond that is in large part carried by our diaspora living in Germany,who are also deeply involved here in Kosova, withtheir hearts and minds and savings. If I envy Germany for anything (besides bringing about the most famous thinkers and music composers) – is that it is home to those hardworking people. You owe us big time.
But Germany gave us so much back in the last decades that we are thankful for:
– We are thankful that you welcomed and gave shelter to Kosova’s refugees during the last decade of 19th century,
– Thankful for 1999 when you firmly stood with NATO and with our people to stop genocide,
– Thankful for over one billion EUR development aid,
– Thankful for steady political support on the international stage.
Vielen Dank und Glückwunsch!
One last remark: precisely those who didn’t want the wall in Berlin to fall, now are waging a criminal war against Ukraine. They lost then and three decades later they shall lose again.
Last modified: October 3, 2022