Honorable President of Republic of Kosova, Mr. Fatmir Sejdiu,
Your Excellency Ambassador Matti Nissinen, Ambassador of the Republic of Finland,
Honorable Ministers and Members of Parliament,
Dear Ambassadors and Representatives of Diplomatic Missions in Kosova,
Dear KFOR commander, General Barduani,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Today we are gathered to celebrate both the strong friendship between Kosova and Finland, and the remarkable service of Ambassador Nissinen.
As countries, we share many similarities. Both of us border a larger neighbor that has historically demonstrated aggression, a reality that has required us to remain constantly vigilant.
But beyond geopolitical realities, the vast majority of what we share is positive, in fact, it is deeply rooted in the optimism of our people. Finland has topped the World Happiness Report for the eighth year in a row. Here in Kosova, according to the most recent Gallup Life Evaluation Index, we were recognized as the country making the greatest leap in the share of people who describe their current state as “thriving,” now comprising more than half of our population. One of the key elements behind Finland’s happiness is its strong welfare system, something we as a government also strive to strengthen for our citizens, and which has undoubtedly contributed to the rising sense of well-being in our own society.
The “Finnish miracle” is well known. At the centenary of its independence in 2017, Finland ranked among the very top – if not the very top – globally in wealth, low levels of corruption, social justice, independence of the judiciary, stability of financial institutions, and the well-being of children. At a time when Europe has become the fastest-warming continent, Finland also provides an essential lesson in maintaining a close relationship with nature, a source of content and safety both individually and collectively.
These strengths helped pave the way for Finland to join the European Union in 1995, and most recently NATO, officially becoming the Alliance’s 31st member on April 4, 2023. We in Kosova are working diligently on our own path to European Union and NATO membership, which we clearly see as our country’s future.
Over the past three years, Ambassador Nissinen has exemplified the values of this partnership, helping to empower Kosova’s path toward the European Union and championing our bid to join the Council of Europe. During his ambassadorship, the Finland–Kosova Economic Chamber was established. Finland also contributes to our security, participating in EULEX and in the KFOR mission, with 59 officers currently serving in Kosova.
Finland’s support, of course, extends back to well before our independence, and we remain deeply grateful for its consistency. The Finnish Agency for International Development (FINNIDA) has supported Kosova since 1999, with a focus on human rights education, gender equality, health, the environment, the water sector, and more. Finland also supports civil society organizations in Kosova, both directly and through Finnish counterparts.
It is reported that all government buildings in Finland have saunas. I believe ambassador Nissinen, despite his great successes, may not have fully achieved exporting sauna culture here — but we extend an open invitation for him to continue sharing Finland’s arts of well-being, while also taking part in Kosova’s own culture of well-being whenever he wishes. We also warmly wish him continued success and prosperity in his career.
On a personal note, I look forward to our future discussion on the next Aki Kaurismäki film. There must be further blooming of ideas and beauty even after autumn like Fallen Leaves.
Cheers and thank you!
Gëzuar dhe ju falemnderit!
Kippis ja kiitos!
