President of Kosovo Atifete Jahjaga told representatives of international organisations and embassies in Kosovo that Kosovo did not have a good year. She mentioned early elections, the lengthy and complicated process for formation of the government and the irregular migration as some of the difficult challenges Kosovo had to face this year. “Our growing pains have brought added pressures to the institutions of Kosovo and have added to the frustration of the citizens of Kosovo and its supporters abroad. Despite these downfalls, I have seen Kosovo rise stronger every time. We have seen a Kosovo committed to the rule of law, a country that stays true to its fundamental values. A place that is serious in its determination to be a cultural mosaic,” said Jahjaga at a traditional reception for the Diplomatic Corps.

Jahjaga added that she has great faith that the ability of the Kosovo people to overcome these difficult moments and address them practically, is a testament to the love that people of Kosovo feel for their country. She said there is not a single doubt about the seriousness of the tasks ahead and of the testing times that Kosovo institutions are to face. “But, they will not challenge our love for Kosovo or our will to transform Kosovo into the image of our aspiration, as a home to all its citizens, a peace-loving democratic country fit to join the European Union and the transatlantic community, in permanent friendship with the United States. We have come together thus far. And we have more tasks to complete and victories to score. I am confident in our will, our ability and vested interest to come together in moving Kosovo forward.”