State visit by President Vjosa Osmani Sadriu of the Republic of Kosovo
During the first state visit by a Kosovar head of state to Switzerland, the President of the Swiss Confederation praised the close relations between the two countries.
Speech
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Madam President
Mr Sadriu
Excellencies
Dear colleagues in the Federal Council
Ladies and Gentlemen
Madam President, we are delighted to welcome you and your delegation to Switzerland.
Switzerland was one of the first countries to recognise Kosovo’s independence in 2008. And now we have the privilege of hosting the first state visit by a Kosovar head of state to our country. This visit is a testament to the diverse relations that flourish between Switzerland and Kosovo. And it is an opportunity to highlight the promising prospects for the continued exchange between our two countries.
First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge the more than 160,000 people who form the Kosovar diaspora in Switzerland. The first Kosovar workers came to our country back in the 1960s and 70s. They supported our economic growth during that period, contributing to industry, hospitality and construction. Later, in the 1990s, a far more distressing wave of migration followed. Political turmoil and ultimately war forced many Kosovars to flee their homeland. During those dark years, Switzerland offered sanctuary and security to tens of thousands.
Since then, many of these families have established new roots here and forged new paths for themselves. Today, numerous second and third-generation Swiss citizens of Kosovar heritage call Switzerland home. They have become woven into the fabric of our society. Whether they’re football stars, teachers, mechanics, managers or politicians, they have all helped shape our nation for decades. Their success stories are also Switzerland’s success stories.
A fine example of the close bonds between our countries is that the Kosovar ambassador to Switzerland is, in fact, also Swiss.
The story of migration from Kosovo to Switzerland is one of integration and growing together. And it is a story of solidarity with those seeking refuge.
For over three years now, we have once again witnessed war on European soil. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine reminds us that peace and self-determination can never be taken for granted. They must be defended. Kosovars understand all too well what it means to stand up for freedom and self-determination.
Switzerland stands firmly behind international law and the territorial integrity of all states – whether in Ukraine or Kosovo. My country remains steadfastly committed to peace and security in the Western Balkans. We are working to strengthen democratic structures and bolster trust in the rule of law. Both Switzerland and Kosovo are both democracies with diverse political landscapes. And both nations are committed to protecting minorities. This binds us together more profoundly than ever in these uncertain global times.
Madam President
Excellencies
Today we will have the opportunity to discuss the full spectrum of bilateral relations. We will also address international developments.
The European Union is an important partner for both our countries. Switzerland is pursuing its proven bilateral approach in its cooperation with the EU. Our interests-based policy is reflected in a series of agreements with the EU in clearly defined areas. For its part, Kosovo aspires to full EU membership. We support this European ambition, as we do for all Western Balkan nations.
We also share a special relationship with the United States. Switzerland enjoys a deep and longstanding partnership with the US. And for Kosovo, the US stands as one of its closest allies. It provided indispensable support on Kosovo’s journey to independence and international recognition. Current geopolitical shifts, partly driven by US policy, present new challenges for many countries.
The world is undergoing a profound realignment. We don’t know what the new global balance will look like. But what we will need more than ever is a commitment to a rules-based international order, to peace and security, to open markets, and to democratic values.
Madam President
Excellencies
One fundamental difference between our countries is the length of their existence as sovereign states. For Switzerland, the first decades of our federal state lie so far back that we’ve largely forgotten what it means to build a nation. In contrast, Kosovo is Europe’s youngest nation-state.
Despite this difference, we share many similarities. Perhaps most notably our beautiful mountain landscapes. The charm of small communities. The strong sense of belonging.
Madam President, Mr Sadriu, the entire Federal Council looks forward to your visit, to today's discussions and to strengthening the future ties between our countries.
Mediagallery
Press release
Kosovo's President Vjosa Osmani Sadriu on a state visit to Switzerland
The delegations then held talks on opportunities and prospects for the close and wide-ranging bilateral relationship. They also exchanged views on goals for European stability and prosperity, with particular focus on the situation in the Western Balkans.
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