Prishtina, 1 September 2025
Last night, the Acting Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, accompanied by the Acting Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports, Daulina Osmani, and Members of the Assembly, attended the 3rd edition of Ulpiana Fest, held at the Archaeological Park of Ulpiana.
In his address to those present, Prime Minister Kurti said that they were gathered at a site of great value for Kosovo, where recently a joint team of archaeologists from Kosovo and France uncovered two important historical findings that prove the founding of the city of Justiniana Secunda as a Dardanian city, as well as the significance of Ulpiana in Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages.
“These extraordinary archaeological treasures are now public property. They belong to all of us, they unite us all, and will enable further research while ensuring their preservation for future generations as a common and universal value,” said Prime Minister Kurti.
He also highly praised the longstanding cooperation between Kosovo and France in the field of protection and preservation of cultural and archaeological heritage, expressing gratitude for the valuable contribution of French professors and archaeologists in supporting professional capacity building and safeguarding archaeological heritage in Kosovo. On this occasion, he presented a token of appreciation in honor of Prof. Dr. Jean-Luc Lamboley, for his significant contribution to the archaeology and cultural heritage of Kosovo. In his absence, the acknowledgment was received on his behalf by French archaeologist Christophe Goddard.
For two consecutive days, visitors at the Archaeological Park had the opportunity to experience the heritage of Dardania through creative workshops, traditional games, local cuisine, and artistic performances.
Full Speech of Prime Minister:
Honorable guests,
It is my pleasure to be here with you tonight, at the archaeological site of Ulpiana Justiniana Secunda, and to present a token of appreciation in honor of Prof. Dr. Jean-Luc Lamboley.
This evening is important for many reasons, but allow me to highlight a few of them:
• First, because we are at a site of immense value for our country, where recently a team of archaeologists from Kosovo and France uncovered two important historical findings that demonstrate the founding of Justiniana Secunda as a Dardanian city, and underline the significance of Ulpiana in Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages;
• Second, because these extraordinary archaeological treasures are now public property. They belong to all of us, they unite us all, and will allow for further research and ensure their preservation for future generations as a shared and universal value;
• Third, because today, in addition to preserving archaeological heritage, we are also witnessing its revitalization through cultural activities such as this Ulpiana Fest, where the diverse past is presented and promoted before us;
• And finally, though no less importantly, today we have the opportunity to mark and celebrate the longstanding cooperation between Kosovo and France in the protection and preservation of cultural and archaeological heritage.
I wish to express my gratitude for the valuable contribution of French professors and archaeologists in supporting the strengthening of professional capacities and safeguarding Kosovo’s archaeological heritage.
Therefore, it is a special honor to present this token of appreciation to Prof. Dr. Jean-Luc Lamboley, for his significant contribution to the archaeology and cultural heritage of Kosovo.
Thank you!
