Brussels, 11 July 2008
The speech of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo Hashim Thaçi, held on the Conference of Donors for Kosovo, in Brusels, on July 11, 2008
Honorable Commissioner Rehn,
Mr. Feith,
Representatives of
European Union, European Commission representatives,
US Representatives,
the World Bank,
the IMF,
NATO,
Diplomatic Offices,
Donor Agencies,
Financial Institutions,
UN Development Agencies,
My Colleagues, Ladies, and Gentlemen.
It gives me great honor to address this forum and represent my country Kosovo – a new state with old friends, new hope, new vision and new opportunities!
I have no words to thank you all for honoring Kosovo by organizing this conference as well as for bringing us together to discuss our new future.
The 17th of February, the declaration of independence, represented the beginning of a new epoch.
The 15th of June, the entry into force of our Constitution, represented our new history.
And today the 11th of July, the donors conference represents our vision for the development of Kosovo.
We are firmly on our way to be part of the European Union as a democratic, multiethnic and modern republic.
As a people, we are excited,enthusiastic and motivated to bring about change that will bring our goal within reach.
I would like to hold your hands to build upon the foundation of our new economy which needs huge assistance.
Kosovo has taken many constructive steps together with you in preparing the right policies, creating the right legal framework, full institutional environment, and preparing concrete programs.
The Government Policy Priorities Paper, the Medium Term Expenditure Framework, the forthcoming Government White Paper on Social Policy, and the World Bank Policy Notes and Advice, are all part of a unique group of good policies that we are committed to implementing with our partners.
Kosovo is indeed most fortunate to be blessed with the best of donors and development partners.
The Mid Term Expenditure Framework document, which we have prepared by involving our citizens, our municipalities, our scholars, our policy makers, and many of you, tells the story of where we are, and where we want to go in the next three to four years.
It describes our limitations, our resources, our opportunities and our priorities.
It tells us the gaps in our technical, human, and financial resources that need urgent attention and your kind consideration.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Our government is committed to leadership in development.
Our four main policy priorities are economic growth, successful implementation of the Status Settlement, Good Governance and Rule of Law and Social Stability.
We seek active collaboration from donors and the private sector to achieving these priorities, and making our economy more attractive to international investors.
My team of ministers is very committed to being accountable for delivering lasting results with great speed and high quality.
While arriving at your pledges today, please judge us not on past politics but on the economic realities of Kosovo, not on our previous shortcomings but on our future potential to change the lives of our people for the better.
Economic stability is fundamental to political and social stability.
These are all essential preconditions for NATO and EU integration.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Recent history in the Balkans shows that the people of Kosovo have demonstrated growing maturity, responsibility and patience and remarkable peace.
We have welcomed our neighbors, treated our minorities with respect and affirmative action, and ensured that the rule of law applies to each and everyone irrespective of ethnicity, race, class and gender.
We have made progress on the Ahtisaari document, moved on the status settlement, currently working on a successful transition of responsibilities, and always contributing to peace, stability and cooperation in the region.
In my capacity as Prime Minister, I have established a special office for community affairs within my office.
I am proud that I lead a multhiethnic government.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me emphasize that we own our development policies and strategies.
We take full responsibility for planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development.
We will enhance the ability of our institutions to absorb development aid effectively.
We have installed good governance, zero tolerance against corruption and organized crime.
We believe in openness and transparency, and will ensure that development funds are neither wasted, nor leak into the wrong hands.
We strongly believe that these development funds match and facilitate Kosovo’s commitment in building an effective and efficient public financial management system.
They include private capital in large infrastructure projects through private-public partnerships, in creating better conditions for farmers, for small and medium sized companies, and in creating the basis for a sound self-sustainable economy.
We recognize that we would need to do more on coordinating donors, but we need your kind cooperation.
Our government further believes in strong partnerships with your respective countries.
We seek to strengthen our bilateral cooperation and as well as our economic, commercial, political and social relationships.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me conclude by saying that the people of Kosovo are committed to demonstrate to the international community that our new state provides us with great opportunities.
We will do everything we can to ensure that Kosovo is a success story for us, for our friends, for the United States, EU and NATO, and for the World.
Kosovo thanks you all for providing us with this opportunity, and our institutions – ministers, leaders of the democratic opposition and friends, look forward to sharing with you our presentations and to listening to your comments and commitments.
Our people will remain grateful to you all for your contributions in this important meeting which is the window to our future.
We are full of hope and pride and we will not let you down.
Kosovo is a new country of new opportunities.
Kosovo is confident about its future.
And Kosovo will win its future because it has your partnership and support.
Thank you.