Prishtina, 24 June 2026
Honourable Ms. Donika Gërvalla, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice,
Honourable Mr. Fikrim Damka, Deputy Prime Minister and in charge of minority issues and economic cooperation,
Honourable ministers and deputy ministers, ladies and gentlemen
Today, we are gathered at the Open Balcony on the occasion of the Egyptian Community Memorial Day, and I extend my congratulations to everyone!
Memorial days are more emotional than festive days and are more special than ordinary days, as they serve as a reminder of the journey and a reaffirmation of the importance and role of the Egyptian community, which has endured through different times and storms without ever losing its direction.
At every step of our state-building journey, from the early efforts for freedom and the declaration of independence to the functioning of democratic institutions, the Egyptian community has been an inseparable part of our history.
You have made, and continue to make, a valuable contribution to the social, political, economic, and cultural life of our country.
For this, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, I express my deepest gratitude.
From prominent patriots of this community, such as the martyr Xhevdet Hoti, to statesmen who signed the founding act of our state, such as Xhevdet Neziraj, the Egyptian community has left an indelible mark on the history of Kosovo. There are also many other names in various fields of our social, professional, and institutional life, who have demonstrated dedication, integrity, and love for the country.
Honourable attendees,
Kosovo is built on the principles of freedom, equality, and respect for the dignity of every individual.
At the foundation of our democratic Republic are human rights, which bring together equality and universality. That is, equality as a starting point. We must be equal from the very beginning, not at the end of the process, but from the outset. And, universality, to emphasize what is common among us, without ever denying differences, while highlighting what we share.
And these principles are not only part of the Constitution; they are the foundation upon which we build our future. Therefore, our commitment to guaranteeing equal rights, equal opportunities, and dignified representation for all communities remains, without a doubt, unwavering.
We do not wish for anyone to be discriminated against, and likewise, we do not wish for anyone to be privileged, because privileging one person ultimately implies discrimination against another.
We see these principles embodied every day in the people we work with, that is, with whom we cooperate.
I am proud that among my collaborators, colleagues, and friends, I have people from the Egyptian community who, every day, demonstrate honesty, loyalty, professionalism, and a high work ethic. These qualities strengthen our institutions and the Republic of Kosovo itself. Active participation in the life of the country is also reflected in representation in the Assembly of the Republic. Even in the 11th legislature, the Egyptian community will be represented by two MPs, Elbert Krasniqi and Veton Berisha, who contribute to decision-making processes and to advancing the interests of the citizens they represent.
Dear friends,
During our mandate, we have ensured that this commitment is translated into concrete actions:
- We have directly invested in the construction and renovation of houses for families from non-majority communities, and we have also implemented major projects for the complete renovation of residential units for families in Plemetin.
- We have established a special annual fund for infrastructure specifically dedicated to neighbourhoods where Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities live. Through this commitment, we have addressed the vital problem of providing drinking water to neighbourhoods in Fushe Kosova and have eliminated large waste dumps on “Ali Ibra” Street in Gjakova, thereby improving the environment and the health of residents.
- We have allocated special annual scholarships for students from minority communities at our public universities, providing them with financial support to pursue their academic and professional dreams. In addition, around 2,000 pupils have benefited from financial support worth €625,000, with the majority of beneficiaries being girls. Meanwhile, during the period 2021–2025, nearly €1 million has been allocated to learning centres, supporting around 2,000 children. We have also continued the regular subsidization of community-based non-governmental organizations. And,
- Through targeted recruitment campaigns in the public sector, we have significantly increased the number of members of the Egyptian community who today serve with honour and devotion in the Kosovo Police and in state administration. During our mandate, a total of 20 Egyptian cadets have graduated from the Kosovo Police.
Our unwavering aim is for opportunities for education, development, and well-being to be accessible to all, without distinction. But, of course, our work does not end here.
To give full meaning to this day, we must coexist, co-govern, and cooperate every day of the year, demonstrating that Kosovo is the common home of all its citizens and that each of us has an equal place in the future that we are building together.
Happy Egyptian Community Memorial Day!
Thank you for your participation and attention.