Wishing you all a happy independence day. Today the Republic of Kosovo marks 16 years of statehood.
Though many challenges remain, Kosovo continues to build a modern European society, based on values we all share. Nurturing these values in this corner of Europe is crucial for our future as a continent and we are blessed to have allies and neighbors that aspire to these same values.
This year is special one because citizens of our young republic can finally travel visa-free around Europe, giving them a chance to grow, learn and push Kosovo forward.
While many great things are happening, we mustn’t forget that there are envious forces working day and night to undo progress our societies have made. From the faraway borderlands of this continent to the East, a stones-throw away from the Volga, right in the heart of South East Europe on the banks of the Danube, and brewing inside Europe itself, there are people whose hate is ready to destroy all we have built. We cannot allow them to succeed.
Happy Independence Day. Cherish it. Celebrate it.