Prishtina, 11 May 2013
Honorable Prime Ministers,
Honorable Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen,
As the Prime Minister of Republic of Kosovo I am privileged to speak here today, representing my country as the newest member of the EBRD.
Furthermore, I want to use the opportunity and thank all the countries that voted for the Kosovo’s membership to EBRD. I also deeply appreciate the support and votes that Kosovo has received from the countries that still haven’t recognized our independence in the EBRD membership process – Thank you.
This year, Republic of Kosovo has marked its fifth anniversary of independence, and I can proudly say that Kosova looks much different compared to previous years. Within the consolidation of the country internally and internationally, Kosovo during these 5 years:
– Has been recognized by more than half of the UN member countries
– Has successfully concluded the international supervision of independence
– Has achieved to built partnership relations with the most powerful countries of the democratic world
– Has achieved an average economic growth of 5%.
– Has achieved to become a member of regional and international organizations.
Membership in European Bank for Reconstruction and Development represents another major milestone for us. Membership in this financial institution will enable the continuation of the crucial major projects of the Republic of Kosovo in the future.
Therefore, I want to thank you for approving the Strategy for Kosovo, and for the foreseen investments within the strategy, especially in the field of infrastructure, energy, and strengthening the private sector.
During these five years of independence of our country, we have undertaken reforms in many sectors, as a precondition for establishing a free market economy.
The Government which I lead, has always drafted, and will continue to draft and implement fiscal policies that strengthen the private sector turning it into an engine of sustainable economic growth and development.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Last year we started dialogue for normalization of relations between Republic of Kosovo and Republic of Serbia, a dialogue facilitated by European Union, respectively by Lady Ashton, and supported by United States of America.
Last month we reached the agreement which I would qualify it as a historic one – reached for the first time after a century of animosity and conflict – between Republic of Kosovo and Republic of Serbia.
Of course it wasn’t an easy process, of course there were difficult moments, but it is important that we achieved to put forward the interest of our citizens and of our country first. Above all, we have opened a new chapter, a chapter of cooperation, europianization of Kosovo and Serbia, but also of the whole region.
With the signature of the agreement once again a victory of peace, stability and euro-Atlantic integration prevailed in the region.
Furthermore, I want to stress that this agreement has opened the way for new recognitions for our country, therefore, I ask from the countries that have not recognized Republic of Kosovo yet, to do so in the near future.
Kosova with this agreement is finally entering the normalcy era, because with the reach of rule of law throughout the whole territory of our country, we will have greater opportunities for investments, development and employment, but also for strengthening the democratic and multiethnic environment.
Now, Kosova has to channel all its efforts and energy into the economic development of the country and further implementing democratic reforms. The journey to EU will be long and will require essential transformations. From now on, this will be our main priority!
In conclusion, I want to use the opportunity and invite investors to invest in Kosovo:
– Because we have young, enthusiast workforce, ready to absorb knowledge and new skills – which may be proved by an increasing number of youth that obtain their higher education inside and outside the country.
– Because Kosova has favorable fiscal policies, preferential treatment with EU, USA and Japan; Free Trade Agreements such as CEFTA.
– Because Kosova has great opportunities for investment especially in the energy and mining sector, in the process of privatization of the public and socially owned enterprises;
– Because Kosova has fast direct access into the regional and European markets, which is due to the geographic position of the Republic of Kosovo.
Thank you!
Last modified: July 31, 2022