By Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
On the occasion of the 17th anniversary of Kosovo’s independence, the Embassy of Kosovo in The Hague hosted an event to commemorate the country’s steadfast commitment to the values of democracy, human rights, and peace. The celebration also highlighted Kosovo’s significant achievements in creating better opportunities for future generations.
The day’s festivities began with the carillon of the Grote Kerk, the cathedral of The Hague, which performed Kosovo’s national anthem alongside two traditional songs. These powerful sounds echoed throughout the city, marking the special occasion.
The main event took place at the historic Nieuwe Kerk, a beautiful building with classical and baroque features located at the heart of The Hague. Originally built in 1656, Nieuwe Kerk is a prominent symbol of the city, and it holds the legacy of the renowned philosopher Baruch Spinoza, who is buried there. Today, the church remains a symbol of tolerance and solidarity.
In his speech, Ambassador Dren Doli emphasized Kosovo’s unwavering commitment to judicial reforms and democracy, which continue to give real meaning to the country’s independence. He reflected on Kosovo’s history of resilience, determination, and aspirations for a better future. “Seventeen years ago, the Kosovar people opened a new era of hope and opportunities, which is reflected today in our unwavering commitment to the values of democracy, human rights, and peace,” Ambassador Doli stated. He also praised the ongoing collaboration between Kosovo and The Netherlands, a country that remains a steadfast partner across many fields. Ambassador Doli concluded his speech by expressing gratitude to Kosovo’s friends and allies around the world. “The Netherlands, a country known for its strong commitment to democracy, justice, and human rights, has been a steadfast partner for us. Your political, economic, and diplomatic support has been instrumental in our fast progress, and we remain forever grateful for your sincere friendship,” he stated.
The Mayor of the city of The Hague, Jan van Zanen, delivered a speech stressing the commitment of the city of The Hague, symbol of peace and justice, in supporting the initiatives of the diplomatic community. He retraced the art installation “Thinking of You” (The Hague, 2024) by Alketa Xhafa-Mripa, realised by the Embassy of Kosovo jointly with Dr. Mukwege Foundation and the Municipality of The Hague last June 2024, a powerful cultural initiative which served as homage to the survivors of sexual violence in conflicts worldwide.
The evening’s cultural program featured a performance by the Rona Nishliu Quartet, who delighted the audience with a unique fusion of traditional Albanian music and jazz. The internationally recognized Kosovar-Albanian singer Rona Nishliu, known for her top-five finish at the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest, was joined by her Quartet: Edon Ramadani (piano), Kiril Tufekcievski (double bass), and Nesim Maxhuni (drums). Together, they presented a captivating blend of Albanian and Balkan music with fresh jazz arrangements, offering an unforgettable musical experience.
After the performance, guests were invited to a reception with traditional Kosovar delicacies and regional wines, providing a perfect end to the evening.
The event was attended by several ambassadors, diplomats accredited to The Netherlands, Dutch KFOR veterans who served in Kosovo, representatives from international organizations, officials from Dutch institutions, and members of the Kosovar diaspora.
Images: © Febe Meijnen
