Prishtina, 3 July 2026
The Acting Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, together with the Acting President, Albulena Haxhiu, attended the graduation ceremony of the 2026 cadet class of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF).
In his address, Acting Prime Minister Kurti said that the graduates are not only newly commissioned officers, but also the future leaders of Kosovo’s armed forces.
“Today is a special day for you and a day of pride for the Republic of Kosovo. Here, at the ‘Adem Jashari’ Barracks, which bears the name of the Commander-in-Chief of the Kosovo Liberation Army, our military is welcoming 12 new officers who have successfully completed four years of academic, military and leadership training,” Acting Prime Minister Kurti stressed.
Acting Prime Minister Kurti reminded the newly commissioned officers that they are the successors of the Kosovo Liberation Army and that their strength, courage and determination stem from that sacred legacy.
“The Kosovo Liberation Army is the foundation of your military identity and the source of the fighting spirit that enables you to stand firm in the face of every challenge and every danger you may encounter, and to emerge victorious in the end, just as our army has always prevailed,” he said.
Full speech by Acting Prime Minister Kurti:
Dear Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Ms Albulena Haxhiu,
Dear Minister of Defence, Ejup Maqedonci,
Dear Commander of the Kosovo Security Force, Lieutenant General Bashkim Jashari,
Dear military and defence attachés of our friendly and partner countries,
Dear representatives of KFOR and NALT,
Dear families of the fallen heroes,
Dear disabled veterans and veterans of the Kosovo Liberation Army,
Dear partners from international and domestic organisations,
Dear citizens of the Republic,
Dear new cadets of the Kosovo Security Force,
Today is a special day for you and a day of pride for the Republic of Kosovo. Here, at the “Adem Jashari” Barracks, which bears the name of the Commander-in-Chief of the Kosovo Liberation Army, our military is welcoming 12 new officers who have successfully completed four years of academic, military and leadership training.
As of today, you are not only newly commissioned officers, but also the future leaders of our armed forces. Over these past four years, you have acquired knowledge, discipline and military character. During this period, you have embraced the military values that will accompany you throughout every duty you perform in the service of the Republic.
Over these past years, the Government of Kosovo has made defence one of its highest priorities. We have invested more than €460 million in defence procurement, doubled the number of soldiers, quadrupled training activities, and, above all, invested in the education and professional development of our armed forces. These are essential components of a well-prepared, well-trained, well-equipped and well-educated military—a strong military such as the one we have today, and one that we will continue to strengthen even further in the future.
During the next mandate, we will invest €1 billion in the armed forces. We will increase the number of women and girls serving in our military to 1,000—two and a half times the current number. We will establish our own ammunition production facility and manufacture our own ammunition. Above all, however, we will continue to have the best-trained and best-educated military personnel we have ever had, because our service members are our greatest asset.
Investments in infrastructure, weapons systems and the education of our military personnel all demonstrate that we are working hard, together, to become a provider of security by continuously meeting the criteria required for NATO membership, one of our Government’s principal objectives. Moreover, this demonstrates that we are a serious partner to our allies and to our strategic partners among NATO member states.
Dear officers,
As of today, you assume a great responsibility. You will lead soldiers, make important decisions, and serve as examples of integrity, professionalism and dedication to duty. Always lead with the knowledge you have acquired, with courage, fairness and respect, taking care of every soldier under your command.
In the most difficult moments you may face, always remember that you are the successors of the Kosovo Liberation Army. From that sacred legacy come your strength, courage and determination. It is the foundation of your military identity and the source of the fighting spirit that enables you to stand firm in the face of every challenge and every danger you may encounter, and to emerge victorious in the end, just as our army has always prevailed.
Dear family members of our officers,
Today you stand here with a pride that only your generous hearts can truly know, because through your sons and daughters you are strengthening the defence of our homeland and giving the Republic of Kosovo the most precious gift you have. I therefore express my deepest gratitude to all of you for the support you have given your children and loved ones throughout this journey.
I also wish to thank the instructors and the academic and military staff who have contributed to the development of this outstanding generation.
The Republic of Kosovo needs leaders who are well prepared, possess integrity and have vision. I am confident that you will fulfil this mission with honor, always making the Kosovo Security Force and our independent, sovereign and democratic state proud.
Congratulations once again on this remarkable achievement! I wish you every success on the journey ahead as you serve the Republic and our citizens.
