Your excellency Fatmir Sejdiu, former President of the Republic of Kosova,
Dear madame Danijela Barisic, ambassador of the Republic of Croatia in Kosova,
Dear ministers and deputy ministers, members of the Assembly,
Dear ambassadors and other representatives of diplomatic corps,
Dear guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is a great honor and sincere pleasure to stand before you today as we gather to celebrate the Statehood Day of the Republic of Croatia.
On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Kosova, I extend our warmest congratulations to the people of Croatia — to President Zoran Milanović, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, and all Croatian citizens, both at home and abroad.
This day marks not only the foundation of modern Croatian statehood but also the enduring will of a proud people to determine their own future, to live in freedom, and to contribute to the peace and prosperity of our region.
Kosova and Croatia share deep bonds — of history, friendship, and common values. Croatia was among the first countries to recognize Kosova’s independence. Your support — political, moral, and practical — has been unwavering ever since. For this, we are deeply grateful.
Today, we celebrate your statehood, but also the partnership that unifies us. We are allies in peace, in democracy and in our joint European journey and fate. Croatia’s membership in the European Union and NATO serves as an inspiration for Kosova — a reminder of what is possible when a nation is guided by the principles of liberty, rule of law and human dignity.
We are also proud of the vibrant Croatian community in Kosova and the Kosova Albanian diaspora in Croatia — both of which serve as bridges of mutual respect and cooperation between our two countries.
As we look to the future, let us continue to deepen our bilateral ties — in trade, education, culture and defense. Together, we can contribute to a region that is free, democratic and firmly anchored in Euro-Atlantic values.
Once again, happy Statehood Day to the people of Croatia. May your country continue to prosper in peace, unity and progress.
Thank you! Faleminderit! Hvala lijepa
