Pristina, 23 May 2017
The Minister for Dialogue in office, Edita Tahiri, received the students from Clemson University of South Carolina, United States of America, headed by the professor of international relations at this university Mr. Vladimir Matic.
Minister Tahiri said that Kosovo is an example of creating a new state in the world, which is confident towards a Euro-Atlantic future. “Our struggle for independence has been a fair war that was understood and supported by our core ally, the US, the state you come from and we thank the American people and the US government that helped us in our path of independence and democracy”, stressed Minister Tahiri, further informing the students about the important periods through which the creation of the state of Kosovo has passed, including the liberation period, centennial efforts for freedom and self-determination of many generations and the peaceful and armed resistance with which ended the oppression of the Albanian people, enjoying freedom for all citizens indiscriminately.
Minister Tahiri emphasized that in the context of the Cold War, which created perspectives for the oppressed peoples, we put an end to the hegemony, the totalitarian system and the artificial state of the former Yugoslavia, while we showed visionary positioning alongside the western states , building a historic alliance with the US, the EU and NATO.
Minister Tahiri further underlined that the post-war period was a period of our focus on building the state, initially as an international protectorate and as of 17 February 2008 as an independent and sovereign state, which progressed both in the direction of functionality and the Euro-Atlantic integration. “Kosovo today is on the official path of European integration, we have signed the Stabilization Association Agreement with the European Union, have established special ties with NATO, 114 countries have recognized the state of Kosovo, and Kosovo is a full member in many international and regional organizations “said Minister Tahiri, by further informing students of their commitment to strengthening the rule of law, economic development, infrastructure, social welfare, the creation of an equal state for all citizens, which will guarantee the rights of each and of human capital development , given that Kosovo enjoys an educated youth and great economic potential.
Also in this meeting, Minister Tahiri talked about Kosovo's role in peace, stability and good neighbourliness, saying that Kosovo has proven to be a partner for peace and Euro-Atlantic partners for the global security challenges, the present ones and those that can come in the future.
Minister Tahiri, answered many questions posed by students from Clemson University of USA.
Professor Matic at the end of the meeting thanked Minister Tahiri for her speech, saying that the lecture will contribute to raising students' knowledge of Clemson University for this part of the world.