Prishtina, 14 July 2026
The Acting Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, attended the reception organized by the French Embassy to mark the National Day of the French Republic.
Prime Minister Kurti congratulated Ambassador Olivier Guérot on the occasion of the National Day, expressing gratitude for France’s support for Kosovo and recalling the excellent relations between the two countries.
“Born from the struggle for liberation and justice, Kosovo has chosen democracy and freedom, the rule of law and human rights, not as formal language, but as the foundations of the state. For us, France has been a friend and an ally at decisive moments. It stood by our people during the war, recognized Kosovo’s independence one day after its declaration, and has continued to support us in strengthening our state and our democracy,” the Prime Minister emphasized.
Expressing his hope that the friendship between the two countries will continue to grow and strengthen, Prime Minister Kurti stated that on this day “we honour France, the French people, and our shared ideals.”
Full Speech of Acting Prime Minister Kurti:
Your excellency, Olivier Guérot, Ambassador of France to the Republic of Kosova,
Dear colleagues from the Government and the Parliament of our Republic,
Dear ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions in Kosova,
Dear heads of state institutions and mayors of municipalities, religious leaders and representatives of civil society,
Dear friends of France in Kosova, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Bonsoir à toutes et à tous,
It is a pleasure to be with you this evening as we celebrate the National Day of the French Republic.
The 14th of July recalls the fall of the Bastille in 1789, a moment that came to embody the rejection of authority without accountability, of a system without equality and power without consent. Its meaning would travel far beyond its borders, opening a new political language: free citizens over obedient subjects, equal rights over inherited privilege, and popular sovereignty over personal rule.
From that moment onwards the state was no longer the property of the monarch, but of the people. This was an original French contribution eventually spreading across the globe. The revolution was not just a French affair, nation after nation and people throughout the world and time kept falling in love with this French affair, showing that much more was at stake.
The French Republic has shaped the world not only through politics, but through literature, philosophy, science, arts and diplomacy. It has reminded generations that ideas bring direction, culture adds depth, and principles give meaning. For Kosova, this influence is not abstract. So tonight, beyond the principles this country has given to the world, I wish to speak of the support it has extended to ours.
Born from the struggle for liberation and justice, Kosova has chosen democracy and freedom, rule of law and human rights, not as formal language, but as foundations of state. To us, France has been a friend and an ally at decisive moments.
It stood with our people during the war, recognised Kosova’s independence the day after its declaration, and has continued to support us in strengthening our state and our democracy.
Today, our partnership is becoming more concrete and more substantive. We see it through political dialogue, institutional collaboration, cultural engagement and educational exchange. It is not confined to statements; it becomes work, it builds trust, it serves a purpose. And for Kosova, that purpose is also European. Our path towards the European Union is not only a process of accession. It is a democratic choice, an institutional discipline, and a natural place among the states of Europe.
Dear Ambassador Guérot,
Cher Olivier,
This evening carries particular significance, as it marks your final National Day in Kosova in your capacity as Ambassador. Throughout your mandate, you have represented your country with distinction and engaged ours with openness and politeness, and this brought our two countries closer.
On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Kosova, thank you for your contribution and your partnership. Wherever your next mission takes you, Kosova will always remain a country of friends.
Ten days ago, we celebrated the 250th anniversary of the American revolution and in thirteen years we shall do the same for the French Revolution. By then, in 2039, I may have learnt much French language so I become Ambassador in Paris, and France may have changed much Prime Ministers so Olivier becomes Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
On this National Day, we honour France, French people, and the ideals carried through history and shared between republics.
Happy 14th of July, may France continue to prosper, and may the friendship between our two countries grow ever stronger.
And now we shall become again followers of France, the French football team, which this evening will give its best to get through the semi final walls of the World Cup match with Spain, in Dallas, USA.
Merci beaucoup.
