Interfaith coexistence in Kosovo is regarded as a value inherited over centuries and essential for the country’s future, while dialogue, mutual respect, and the preservation of diversity are considered key to a stable and harmonious society, highlighting the need for continuous cooperation among communities, KosovaPress reports.

This was stated at the Interfaith Dialogue roundtable titled “Interfaith coexistence among us – a divine virtue or a social necessity?”, which brought together state and religious representatives as well as international partners.

The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, said that interfaith coexistence in Kosovo is a historical tradition, not a modern aspiration.

Kurti emphasized that the Government of Kosovo has taken concrete steps to protect, preserve, and promote cultural and religious values throughout the country.

At the roundtable, the head of the executive said that cultural monuments have been restored and are being turned into living spaces of memory, faith, and dialogue among communities.

“In Kosovo, interfaith coexistence is not only a modern aspiration, but also a historical tradition built over centuries on respect and coexistence. It remains a fundamental value of our society, which has contributed to maintaining cohesion and stability, demonstrating that diversity is not a source of division but a shared asset that must be preserved and cultivated for future generations. In this regard, the Government of the Republic of Kosovo has taken concrete steps to protect, preserve, and promote cultural and religious values throughout our country for all communities, without excluding any citizen… I believe you have noticed that we say coexistence and not tolerance, because we are beyond tolerance. We are at coexistence, interaction, cooperation, coordination – we are at the coexistence of different religious communities,” Kurti said.

The President of the “Drita” Foundation, Zef Gashi, stated that this day of cooperation, friendship, and dialogue represents an important step toward strengthening unity in diversity and deepening mutual understanding among people.

He underlined that only by preserving one’s own identity and respecting the identity of others can a sustainable, sincere, and long-term coexistence be built.

“I hope that this day of fraternal cooperation, friendship, and dialogue on what we share, as well as our differences, will be an important step toward strengthening our unity in diversity and toward flourishing mutual understanding among us. True unity is not uniformity, but harmony in diversity. Our goal, therefore, remains the same: to strengthen what we share without harming what makes us different. This is an ongoing challenge, but also a beautiful call that invites us to grow as individuals and as a community. Because only by preserving our identity and respecting the identity of others can we build a sustainable and sincere coexistence,” he said.

Meanwhile, the host of this roundtable, Mufti Naim Tërnava, emphasized the importance of interfaith coexistence, recalling that Kosovo’s history clearly shows it is not just an ideal, but a lived reality.

According to him, it is a shared duty to cultivate a spirit of understanding by respecting each other’s beliefs and valuing religious diversity.

“Our history shows that coexistence is not just an ideal, but a lived practice. Our religious beliefs are spiritual and moral wealth that give meaning to life and strengthen social ties. Therefore, even today, we reaffirm our commitment to cultivating a spirit of understanding by respecting our own beliefs and valuing the beliefs of others. This is also a divine obligation,” he stated.

In addition to religious leaders, the roundtable also included participants from KFOR. US Chaplain LTC Hornback said that as representatives of different religious traditions, they have a strong influence on their communities and, consequently, on Kosovo’s future.

According to him, the future of the country cannot be determined by external actors, but by the people of Kosovo themselves.

“No external group can determine this for Kosovo. While the people of Kosovo will decide their own future, those gathered here today as representatives of the divine, who teach about virtues such as coexistence, have great power to positively influence Kosovo’s future. But a better future happens only when everyone, regardless of religion or ethnicity, works together to make it a reality. In the short time I have been here, I have been inspired by the people who call Kosovo home and by the religious leaders I have met from every faith tradition. Kosovo is a beautiful and diverse country. The best days for Kosovo are ahead,” he emphasized.

The Interfaith Dialogue roundtable was held for the first time last year at the Mother Teresa Cathedral.