By Roy Lie Atjam
To celebrate the 17th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Kosovo, the Embassy of Kosovo in the Netherlands held a celebratory evening at the iconic Nieuwe Kerk in The Hague on February 17,2025.
This historic venue, which is also the final resting place of the esteemed philosopher Baruch Spinoza, serves as a symbol of tolerance and solidarity.
The day began with carillon music from the Grote Kerk, which filled the air with a selection of Kosovarian tunes, including the national anthem. H.E. Dr. Dren Doli, the Ambassador of Kosovo, warmly welcomed everyone in attendance. The guests were also honored to hear from Mr. Jan van Zanen, the Mayor of The Hague, who emphasized the city commitment to supporting the initiatives of the diplomatic community, highlighting The Hague status as a symbol of peace and justice. Additionally, the audience enjoyed the soulful music of the Rona Nishliu Quartet.
The evening was expertly guided by Mr. Francesco Cortese, the executive assistant at the Embassy, serving as the Master of Ceremonies. February 17th is a deeply significant day for the Kosovars as it represents the realization of a long-held dream – the dream of freedom. The history of Kosovo is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering hope. It reflects the journey of a people who have faced tremendous hardships yet have always held on to their aspirations for a brighter future.
Seventeen years ago, Kosovo’s people began a new chapter filled with hope and opportunity. Today, this commitment is reflected in Kosovo’s steadfast dedication to the values of democracy, human rights, and peace, as well as its aspiration for a European Union and NATO membership.
The Rona Nishliu Quartet showcasing a medley of traditional Albanian music, seamlessly blending jazz and ethno arrangements of some of the most emblematic Albanian songs. Rona represented Albania at the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest in Baku, where she achieved an impressive fifth place, marking the best placement for Albania to date.
The music performance was followed by a reception featuring delicacies from the region traditional cuisine. The Embassy of Kosovo proudly extends its sincere gratitude to all attending ambassadors and diplomats, representatives from international organizations, officials from Dutch institutions, and members of the Kosovo diaspora living in the Netherlands.
“Your participation was vital in marking our 17th Independence Day, a remarkable evening, a true celebration.”
