In the framework of his engagements during the visit to the United States of America and at the United Nations Headquarters, the President of the Republic of Kosovo, Dr. Fatmir Sejdiu, held a keynote speech during the Annual Balkan Leaders Reception at Rutgers Institute.

Present at the meeting were also Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Conference, Ilir Meta, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Albania, Stjepan Mesić, President of Croatia, Haris Silajxhiq, member of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Presidency, Ahmet Davutoğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey and other leaders.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Kosovo, Skender Hyseni, and other members of Kosovo’s delegation The meeting also attended the meeting.

President Sejdiu updated the Balkan leaders at Rutgers Institute on developments and significant achievements made following the independence of the Republic of Kosovo. He laid an emphasis on important efforts made by Republic of Kosovo’s leaders and institutions to ensure more recognitions for the new state and its objective of becoming a member of as many important international institutions as possible.

President Sejdiu also highlighted the importance of a peaceful and integrative approach by all Balkan states. In this context, he referred to the great importance of regional cooperation as an essential precondition to stability in the region and in our mutual journey towards integration into the Euro-Atlantic community.

Besides this, taking the Republic of Kosovo as an example, President Sejdiu said that the respect of minority community rights in each Balkan country is a crucial factor of stability and prosperity in the region.