Bulgaria’s President Radev in front of Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu: The future of Kosovo is in the European Union

The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, on November 30, is on an official visit to Bulgaria at the invitation of President, Rumen Radev, who said that Bulgaria will remain committed to the security, stability and peace of our region.

"When Bulgaria joined the peacekeeping operation in Kosovo 22 years ago, three important objectives were set for our contingent: first, to deepen cooperation with our allies and partners; second, to explore and learn from their experience. And third, to assist the Kosovo Security Forces in their training and development. Today, 22 years later, we can say that these goals are being successfully completed. I guarantee on behalf of the Bulgarian Armed Forces that Bulgaria will remain committed to the security, stability and peace of our region. In this regard, the Bulgarian Armed Forces will continue to cooperate with the Republic of Kosovo and stand as a shield against any threats and foreign influences for the security and stability of our region," President Rumen Radev said.

"Our part of Europe has witnessed significant changes in the last quarter of a century. In the most difficult times of our history, Bulgaria has always stood by us," Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu said.

In her words, many Bulgarian soldiers are still serving in Kosovo and since 1999, 1,600 Bulgarians have contributed to the peace-making and peace-keeping in the Kosovo region. Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu pointed out that Kosovo's independence is a fact thanks to Bulgaria.

According to her, the peace in Europe is once again under threat. Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu wished the Kosovo and Bulgarian armies to work together as part of the strongest military alliance in the world - NATO - to contribute to the peace-making and security where and when it is needed.

President Radev also noted that Bulgaria supports Kosovo's active efforts to build itself as a modern, democratic and multi-ethnic state. And the support for these efforts has continued unchanged since the country recognised Kosovo's independence in 2008.
The two heads of state discussed the European perspective for Kosovo.

"For us, Kosovo's future lies in the European Union. We welcome the efforts of the state’s leadership of the community in Kosovo for the full European integration and all the steps for the continuation of the reforms, for the strengthening of the state institutions, for the judicial reform, for the fight against crime and corruption which are key for the future EU membership", Rumen Radev further said.

Viosa Osmani-Sadriu arrived today on an official visit to Bulgaria at the invitation of President Rumen Radev. The official welcoming ceremony was held at St. Alexander Nevski Square. The two presidents held a face-to-face meeting at the Presidency, after which they joined the plenary talks between the official delegations of Bulgaria and Kosovo.

At a ceremony in the Coat of Arms Hall, the President of Kosovo awarded the Presidential Medal to Bulgarian servicemen. Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu awarded the medal of honour to the servicemen who have contributed to peace and security as part of the International Security Assistance Force mission in Kosovo since 2000. Major General Valeri Tsolov, who participated in the KFOR mission as Commander of the Joint Force Command, received the Medal of Honour.