On the occasion of the Statehood Day of the Republic of Croatia, the Croatian Embassy in Pristina organized a formal reception attended by heads of Kosovo institutions, accredited diplomats, representatives of the Croatian community in Kosovo, acting ministers, former political figures, ambassadors of other countries, and other guests, KosovaPress reports.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to Kosovo, Daniela Barišić, said that Croatia will continue to strongly support Kosovo’s European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
In her welcoming speech, Barišić said that Croatia will continue to participate in the KFOR Mission to maintain peace and security as prerequisites for the development and well-being of the entire society and the region.
“Today we also celebrate the friendly relations between our two countries, the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Kosovo, demonstrated through bilateral cooperation and increased bilateral trade. Our relations were further confirmed through the exchange of official visits, including Prime Minister Kurti’s official visit to Croatia at the end of last year, during which six agreements were signed. Croatia will continue with strong support for Kosovo’s European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations and will continue participating in the KFOR Mission to maintain peace and security, prerequisites for the development and well-being of our entire society and the whole region,” said Barišić.
In front of the attendees, Barišić emphasized that this event was also organized to reaffirm the friendly relations between Croatia and Kosovo.
In addition, she noted that some of the most frequently used global terms in recent times are “uncertainty” and “geopolitical unpredictability,” referring to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“It is my great pleasure and honor to welcome you tonight on the occasion of the Statehood Day of the Republic of Croatia. We are gathered here to reaffirm the friendly relations between Croatia and Kosovo. But I am sure that in our conversations tonight, we will not be able to avoid certain topics that affect and influence all of us at the national, regional, and international levels. In fact, after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than three years ago, we are witnessing the collapse of the international order as we once knew it. Therefore, perhaps the most widely used words globally these days are ‘uncertainty’ and ‘geopolitical unpredictability.’ But despite everything, we have our calm port and strong anchor – the European Union,” said Barišić.
Barišić also spoke about the Kosovo–Serbia dialogue, stating that stability depends on dialogue, not confrontation. She added that Croatia has long supported Kosovo’s request for the lifting of the EU’s punitive measures against the country.
“First – the Western Balkans is of strategic importance to the European Union, and enlargement in this region is the EU’s most important geopolitical project. Second – a key priority remains the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia. You are equal partners at the table. Stability depends on dialogue, not confrontation. And third – and perhaps most anticipated in Kosovo – the EU has begun to gradually lift the punitive measures imposed in June 2023. Let me add – Croatia has supported this for a long time. This decision opens the door to more opportunities for Kosovo’s development and closer ties with Europe,” Barišić stressed.
Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti said that Kosovo and Croatia share deep historical, friendly, and common values-based ties. He stated that the two countries are allies in peace, in democracy, and on their shared European path.
“This day marks not only the establishment of modern Croatian statehood, but also the enduring will of a proud people to shape their own future, to live in freedom, and to contribute to the peace and prosperity of our region. Kosovo and Croatia share deep historical, friendly, and value-based ties. Croatia was among the first countries to recognize Kosovo’s independence. Your support — political, moral, and practical — has been unwavering ever since. For this, we are deeply grateful. Today, we celebrate your statehood, but also the partnership that unites us. We are allies in peace, in democracy, and in our shared European journey and mutual trust,” Kurti said.
Kurti added that Croatia’s membership in the European Union and NATO serves as an inspiration for Kosovo, as a reminder of what is possible when a nation is guided by the principles of freedom, the rule of law, and human dignity. In addition, Kurti expressed the need to continue deepening ties with Croatia in trade, education, culture, and defense.
“Croatia’s membership in the European Union and NATO serves as an inspiration for Kosovo, as a reminder of what is possible when a nation is guided by the principles of freedom, rule of law, and human dignity. We are also proud of the vibrant Croatian community in Kosovo and the Kosovo Albanian diaspora in Croatia, which serve as bridges of mutual respect and cooperation between our two countries. As we look ahead, let us continue to deepen our bilateral ties in trade, education, culture, and defense. Together, we can contribute to a region that is free, democratic, and deeply anchored in Euro-Atlantic values,” he said.
Statehood Day is commemorated in remembrance of May 30, 1990, when Croatia established its first democratically elected multi-party Parliament.
