Prishtina, 23 March 2026
This evening, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, attended the opening of Francophonie Week, which was held in Prishtina, where he also delivered a speech at the opening of this edition.
Full speech of Prime Minister Kurti:
Honourable Ms. Albulena Haxhiu, Speaker of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo,
Honourable Mr. Olivier Guérot, Ambassador of France to the Republic of Kosovo,
Honourable ministers, members of parliament, representatives and heads of state institutions,
Honourable Excellencies, ambassadors and other diplomats of countries accredited to the Republic of Kosovo, in particular the Ambassadors of Switzerland, Belgium, and Luxembourg,
Honourable Mayor of Prishtina, Përparim Rama,
Honourable representatives of civil society organizations,
Dear friends of France and Kosovo,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a pleasure to be among you this evening, which marks the opening of Francophonie as a special week in Kosovo’s annual calendar. This event reminds us that culture carries great weight, language connects people, and values unite nations. At a time when divisions are deepening, it brings us back to the essentials: dialogue is stronger than isolation, and culture more enduring than conflict.
Francophone countries are valued friends and important partners of Kosovo. Their support continues to remain invaluable in our journey as a state, built on trust, respect, and a shared commitment to a free and democratic society.
Kosovo remains committed to strengthening the presence of the French language in our schools and to expanding cooperation with Francophone countries.
Allow me, Your Excellencies, to reiterate the importance of your continued support in advancing Kosovo’s status in the Organisation international de la Francophonie, from associate member to full member, as a natural step toward deepening our cooperation.
The Albanian language, preserved by the Albanian people perhaps more through conviction than through books. Our respect for other languages stems from the same conviction with which we have defended our own. For us, every language carries a history that cannot be fully translated—and precisely therein lies its importance.
French literature is not merely a cultural heritage, but a space where thought deepens and is challenged. From Jean-Jacques Rousseau to Victor Hugo, it teaches us not what to think, but above all how to think. In this way, it approaches philosophy, since both do not provide quick answers; they require patience in doubt and genuine reflection. And perhaps this is precisely the spirit of Francophonie—not to standardize differences, but to transform them into shared richness.
As a young republic, we have learned that our strength stems from our willingness to remain open—to give and to receive. Although political circumstances have historically imposed unjust boundaries on Kosovo, we have always found ways to stand in solidarity and to connect with the world.
Our diaspora in Francophone countries has been a living bridge of connection between us. Through it, we have come to know not only the language, but also other ways of living. This closeness to other cultures has often come in grand forms—through books, universities, and official exchanges—but also in smaller ones: a song learned by heart, a film watched several times, or a phrase that lingers in memory.
And throughout this, we always strive to be good students. At times we learn with dedication, at times with delay, but always with the belief that culture is measured not by how much we possess it, but by how much we embrace it.
Allow me to thank the embassies and all those who have made this week possible and who continue to bring the Francophone spirit closer to our citizens, especially to the youth. To the young people here tonight: you are the bearers of this closeness. Through you, it becomes not only memory, but future—not only heritage, but development.
I wish you a wonderful week in Gjilan, the host city of Francophonie this year. May the city be filled with the vibrancy of culture, the beauty of language, and the spirit of the values that unite us.
Thank you.
Merci beaucoup.
