The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Madam Atifete Jahjaga, attended today the manifestation organized at the Embassy of the United States of America in Prishtina, on the occasion of the 237th anniversary of the Independence of the United States.
In the speech held at the ceremony, President Jahjaga said:
Dear Ambassador Reeker,
Ambassador Jacobson,
Leaders of Kosovo’s institutions,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As we gather to celebrate the two hundred thirty seventh anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America, I want to convey to you the heartfelt wishes of the people of Kosovo, the best wishes for continued success at home and abroad, for prosperity and harmony.
This evening here and across Kosovo, we are not simply marking your independence together – we are celebrating your quest for peace, your commitment to freedom, equality and diversity. On this important day for your country and the American people, we are also rejoicing our valuable partnership with you and strengthening the bonds of our friendship – which will be long-lasting and permanent because they are based on our commonly shared values that both nations cherish so dearly.
Your commitment to these values in your soil and around the world is an inspiration for all of us here in Kosovo as we build our country with the support of the American people and the tireless efforts of thousands of men and women, American citizens who served in peacekeeping and rebuilding process in Kosovo who trusted our determination to aspire and pursue freedom and peace.
These values that have guided your engagement in Kosovo secured peace and stability for its citizens and provided the region with the chance to open a new chapter, and we will always remain grateful for your help and support. You have helped us become the masters of our own fate. And because our ideals ours values are inspired from leaders and fathers who created a country of free people.
We will remain committed to strengthening the foundations of a democratic Kosovo, where all its citizens, regardless of their religious or ethnic background enjoy equal rights, and to pursuing a policy of good neighborly relations with all the countries in the region with respect for their sovereignty and territorial integrity as we strive to join the European Union and NATO in close partnership with your country.
As John Quincy Adams once said “if your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
This is what you are, America, and this is how you inspire the rest of us.
Happy Birthday!