Kosovo marked the 18th anniversary of its independence with a reception at the Divan Ankara Hotel, bringing together senior Turkish officials, diplomats, business leaders, and military representatives. Hosted by Ambassador Agon Vrenezi, the event reflected both the country’s hard-won sovereignty and its deepening regional partnerships.
Among the guests were Health Minister Prof. Dr. Kemal Memişoğlu and Deputy Foreign Minister Mehmet Kemal Bozay, who also oversees Türkiye’s European Union affairs.
VRENEZI RECALLS THE COST OF FREEDOM
In his opening address, Ambassador Vrenezi underlined that Kosovo’s independence came at a high human cost. “After decades of discrimination, systematic exclusion, and deliberate efforts to reshape our country’s demographic structure, our people endured severe oppression, mass killings, sexual violence, and the largest forced displacement in Europe since the Second World War. Yet we never abandoned our belief that freedom and dignity are not negotiable,” he said. He stressed that Kosovo’s struggle remains central to its national identity and political outlook.
NATO AND EU MEMBERSHIP AS STRATEGIC HORIZONS
Vrenezi described Kosovo’s liberation and state-building as a collective achievement, supported by international partners. “From the very beginning, Kosovo’s liberation and state-building rested on a collective effort. With the support of NATO members, our allies, above all the United States, as well as Türkiye, we put an end to ethnic cleansing and secured our freedom,” he said.
Outlining Kosovo’s long-term direction, Vrenezi said NATO membership and accession to the European Union remain the country’s core strategic objectives. He described these goals as Kosovo’s “natural place” and “clearly envisioned future,” adding that recent elections demonstrated the maturity and resilience of democratic institutions.
TÜRKİYE AS A KEY PARTNER IN DEFENCE AND SECURITY
Highlighting bilateral ties, Vrenezi praised Türkiye’s longstanding support for Kosovo’s independence and international recognition. “Türkiye is a key partner in our defence sector,” he said, noting Ankara’s contribution to strengthening the Kosovo Security Force in line with NATO standards.
He also pointed to growing economic links, and bilateral trade has surpassed one billion euros annually. Vrenezi highlighted the expansion of Pristina International Airport, which recorded 4.6 million passengers in 2025 following 12 percent growth, and announced plans to hold a Kosovo-Türkiye Business Forum in Pristina this year.
MEMİŞOĞLU: TÜRKİYE STANDS FIRMLY WITH KOSOVO
Health Minister Prof. Dr. Kemal Memişoğlu said Türkiye remains proud to be among the first countries to recognise Kosovo following its declaration of independence in 2008. “Türkiye continues to support Kosovo with determination, so that it can reach the position it deserves in the international arena,” he said.
Memişoğlu stressed that bilateral relations extend well beyond formal diplomacy. He pointed to shared history, cultural ties, and what he described as a deep sense of brotherhood between the two societies. He also highlighted the role of citizens of Kosovo origin in Türkiye and the Turkish community in Kosovo as pillars of this relationship.
HEALTH COOPERATION AND SOCIAL SOLIDARITY
Addressing health cooperation, Memişoğlu recalled the bilateral agreement signed in September 2009. “Under this agreement, Türkiye provides free medical treatment each year for patients whose care is not possible in Kosovo,” he said. He described healthcare collaboration as a reflection of the broader humanitarian dimension of bilateral relations.
A BROAD AGENDA FOR COMPREHENSIVE COOPERATION
Memişoğlu said Türkiye and Kosovo have built a wide-ranging partnership across political, economic, military, and cultural fields. He noted that Türkiye’s second term commanding the NATO Kosovo Force will contribute to stability and security in the country. He also welcomed Kosovo’s active participation in the Balkan Peace Platform, describing it as a valuable mechanism for strengthening regional cooperation.
Turning to education and culture, Memişoğlu said Türkiye continues close cooperation with Kosovo through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA). He underlined that joint projects aim to empower Kosovo’s younger generation and support long-term social development.
