Remarks by Ambassador Ferit HOXHAPermanent Representative of Albania to the United Nations
Ambassador, Dear Frymëzim,
Dear friends, Gezuar 14 vjetorin e pavarësisë së Kosovës – Happy 14th Anniversary of the Independence Day.
This is also our day, a day all Albanians, everywhere celebrate, just as your joy is also ours; just as your struggle is also ours, and your success and progress make us equally happy. We are two countries of one nation; a proud nation of a shared language, with shared tradition and with a common destiny. There are many things to say on this blessed day, but I would like to just say three key things: – First, how impressed we are with Kosovo’s achievements; how much Kosova has been able to do in those 14 years of Independence, even though we all know, and we in Albania more than many others, how much it remains to be done to fulfil the dreams of those who fought hard for this day. – Second, to remind ourselves how closely Albania and Kosova are working in order to create that open space, without borders, without burocracy and red tape, a free area of unhindered mobility in every aspect and respect so that our respective citizens feel home in our respective countries, just like they feel in their minds and hearts. – Third, to remind ourselves and everyone, in Albania and in Kosova, including our amazing community in the US, all those that want and expect us to do more and better, that what we have been through in the course of the last 3 decades has not been easy. Building a democracy, strong and accountable institutions and an open civil society is a day by day work, a continued struggle and challenge but we know now the benefits. In this irreversible path, we have been and are together, have made the right choices, with dear friends, strong partners and trusted allies. The strong partnership and friendship with our allies have been confirmed many times. We are witnessing them at a higher lever during our mandate in the United Nations Security Council where we are working closely, hand in hand with likeminded countries, to stand for values, to defend shared principles, those positions and choices that make out societies more resilient, our countries stronger and our partnership ever-lasting.