Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu is set to visit Waterbury, Connecticut, where she will convey a heartfelt message of friendship and gratitude to the local Albanian community for their support during the Kosovo War in the late 1990s. The visit to the Albanian American Cultural and Islamic Center marks a significant moment, as it is the first time a sitting Albanian president has visited the city’s Albanian populace.
The center, which boasts around 800 members, eagerly anticipates Osmani-Sadriu’s presence as a guest of honor. Zimer Kalici, the center’s president, expressed pride and honor in hosting President Osmani-Sadriu, recognizing the importance of her visit not only for the Albanian community but also for the wider city and state.
Kosovo, a Republic in the western Balkans with approximately 1.6 million residents, experiences a predominant ethnic Albanian identity, making up over 90% of the population. The late 1990s saw a large exodus of Albanians from Kosovo amid the conflict, many of whom found refuge and a new beginning in Waterbury.
The 1998-1999 war involved ethnic Albanian separatists facing off against Serbian forces. The conflict came to an end following a NATO bombing campaign in 1999, which led to the withdrawal of Serbian forces. Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia in February 2008.
The Waterbury Albanian community, which constitutes about 13% to 15% of the city’s population, played a crucial role during the war, providing significant support through donations of essential supplies. Last September, the center also welcomed Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti, drawing nearly 1,000 attendees from various states.
Kalici shared that after the Prime Minister’s visit, the leaders of the Albanian community extended an invitation to President Osmani-Sadriu, which she graciously accepted. Osmani-Sadriu, who assumed her presidency in April 2021 after serving as the speaker of Parliament, continues to strengthen ties with the diaspora, reflecting the lasting connections forged through shared history and mutual support. Her visit signifies ongoing gratitude and an enduring bond between Kosovo and its supportive allies in America.