On February 17, 2016 His Excellency Mr. Shpend Kallaba, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kosovo in the Republic of Bulgaria, and his wife gave a reception at the "Sredets" hall of Sofia Hotel Balkan on the occasion of the national holiday of the country.

On this date eight years ago Kosovo declared its independence. A little later - on April 9, the parliament adopted the country's constitution, which entered into force on June 15, 2008. According to it, Kosovo is "an independent and sovereign state," with a "parliamentary republic" system of government.

So far the state has been recognized by 107 countries, 22 of which are EU members, including Bulgaria.

The reception was attended by ambassadors, diplomats, politicians and other guests. They had the opportunity to enjoy the exhibition of the famous artist from Pristina - Mrs. Mjellma Goranci Firzi.

Photos: courtesy of the Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo in the Republic of Bulgaria.

Above: the team of the Embassy
Bottom: First row – H.E. Mr. Shpend Kallaba, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kosovo in Bulgaria, and his wife Shqipe Kallaba welcome their guests: Apostolic Nuncio in Bulgaria - NV Prov. Mons. Anselmo Guido Pecorari, representatives of the presidency, H. E. Mr. Xavier Lapeyre de Cabanes, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic in Bulgaria and his wife, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Second row - guests at the reception. The cake was cut by the ambassador and his wife, along with the special attendee the Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports of the Republic of Kosovo - Rexhep Hoti; to his left is the artist Ms. Mjellma Goranci Firzi.