On the 17th of February, H. E. Mr. Haxhi Bajraktari, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kosovo to the Republic of Bulgaria and his wife,

Mrs. Gentiana Vuniqi Bajraktari, hosted a reception at the Sofia Balkan Hotel on the occasion of National Day - Independence Day of the Republic of Kosovo. The event was attended by the representatives of the Bulgarian authorities, ambassadors, diplomats, cultural figures, representatives of the Kosovar diaspora in our country.

In his welcome speech, Ambasador Bajraktari said to the guests:

Dear representative of Institutions of the Republic of Bulgaria,

Dear Colleagues representatives of diplomatic missions in Sofia,

Dear guests,

We are here tonight to celebrate the 16th Anniversary of Independence of Republic of Kosovo, the most important day in the history of the country whose pillars are built on sacrifice, determination and contribution of all its citizens.

The road to the creation of our country has been going through many challenges and suffering, and at the same time filled with tremendous wisdom and love for the homeland!

Dear guests, for me it is only the fifth month as Ambassador in Sofia, and during this relatively short period, I have to say that I have already felt the kind attitude of all institutions of the Republic of Bulgaria towards me. In fact, this is not something new because Bulgaria's support for Kosovo has already become a tradition. Bulgaria has stood by Kosovo in every process, in every initiative, at every table. Therefore, on behalf of the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo, thank you!

It is my honor to serve in a friendly country in capacity of an ambassador and I believe that our very good relations will only advance further. Our bilateral agenda has for aim to increase the cooperation in all areas, including culture. Speaking of culture, let me inform you that tonight we have among us the mezzo-soprano Besiana Mehmedi and pianist  Shkëlzen Baftiari, as well as a photo exhibition created by Arton Krasniqi, exclusively for all the guests who have chosen to celebrate with us tonight.

Knowing that to express art and celebration, we do not need many words, so once again allow me to thank Bulgaria and all other amicable countries that helped in the state building of Kosovo that opened the path of perspective towards the Euro-Atlantic family.

Thank you for coming to celebrate with us on this important day!

Cheers – Nazdrave – Gëzuar !

The speech was followed by the performance of mezzo-soprano Besiana Mehmedi and pianist Shkëlzen Baftiari, who contributed to the pleasant atmosphere of the reception. The guests also viewed the photo exhibition of the well-known Kosovo photographer Arton Krasniqi.

The material is provided by the Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo in Bulgaria. On the photo above: H. E. Mr. Haxhi Bajraktari, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kosovo to the Republic of Bulgaria