Prime Minister Kurti was warmly welcomed and talked to his compatriots in Vienna, Austria
Vienna, November 3, 2024
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, began his stay in Vienna, Austria, with a meeting and discussion with our compatriots and friends of Kosovo, organized by the Embassy of Kosovo in Austria. Alongside Prime Minister Kurti was the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz.
The Prime Minister began his address with heartfelt thanks to everyone present for taking the time on a Sunday, a day off, to respond to the invitation for this meeting.
He emphasized that Austria is a partner, ally, and friend of our Republic, which has contributed both historically and currently, not only in terms of our defense and security but also in terms of economy and culture, for which the state and people of Kosovo are always grateful. On this occasion, he also expressed gratitude to the guests from Austria and members of the Kosovo-Austria friendship group who were present last night at this event, thus demonstrating the good relations and ongoing friendship.
Austrian politicians and activists from the 1990s to recent times have been and continue to be active figures in public opinion in Kosovo. On this occasion, I would like to highlight Alois Mock, who, as a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, became a strong voice for our country and people in the 1990s, as well as former Chancellor Franz Vranicki and especially his Deputy Chancellor Erhard Busek, and of course diplomats like Fürst Albert Rohan, activists and intellectuals like Christine von Kohl, and even recent European parliamentarians such as Ulrike Lunacek and Lukas Mandl,” he expressed.
Prime Minister Kurti said that our ties are historical, they are cultural, and he is happy that in addition to political support with Austria, economic and trade connections are also increasing.
The trade exchanges between our two nations, Kosovo and Austria, are steadily growing, and according to the Central Bank of Kosovo, Austrian direct investments in our country are nearing half a billion euros. In Austria, we have the network of Albanian diaspora businesses, while in Kosovo, we have the Commercial Office of the Austrian Economic Chamber,” he said.
By mentioning examples and success stories of our diaspora’s investments, and the opportunities that Kosovo offers along with the support the Government provides through the Diaspora Investment Window, the Prime Minister urged them to continue investing in our country and to explore ways and opportunities to practice their professions in Kosovo as well.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Gërvalla from there urged our compatriots to register as part of the ongoing online population registration process for our diaspora until the end of the year, emphasizing the importance of registration data in planning and providing services for them by our institutions, such as learning the Albanian language. She further called on our fellow countrymen to register for diaspora voting, enabling them to exercise their constitutional right to vote in the upcoming elections, either in person or by mail at the embassies and consulates of the Republic of Kosovo for the first time. Deputy Prime Minister Gërvalla expressed her gratitude to everyone for their involvement and for the relentless efforts of each of our compatriots throughout the years.
It is estimated that nearly 100,000 citizens from Kosovo reside, work, and study in Austria, contributing to both nations.
Prime Minister Kurti will participate in the Vienna Economic Forum today.