Hashim Thaci

The king is dead, long live the king" is an expression about monarchy, but it rings true in modern democracy. Some in Britain appear to have forgotten that Tony Blair led their country on the world stage for 10 years and that moreover, that they gave him a large mandate to do so on three occasions. As the prime minister of Europe's youngest country, I have been fortunate in feeling the UK's unshaken support under the governments that have succeeded Blair, both Gordon Brown and David Cameron. But, on a personal basis, I cannot help feeling that Blair's own extraordinary energy and considerable achievements are now being undervalued at home as Hashim Thaciwrites.

Given the tremendous role that Blair played in helping my country forge its independence, I hope his book will not only bring a personal perspective to some important global events but remind people why they admired the man in the first place. Political power is not really aggrandising at all. There is something deeply humbling about public service and the trust that a nation places in the individuals it charges to lead. Blair knows this. Meanwhile, as Kosovo seeks to consolidate its position on the European stage, Tony Blair's conduct and commitment is a powerful example to me personally – and all of us in Kosovo owe him and British people a considerable debt.

Although we declared independence two years ago, it was only last month (22 July) that the international court of justice finally ratified Kosovo as a sovereign, independent state. The decisive 10 to four majority concluded that our declaration did not violate international law or UN security council resolution 1244, nor did it compromise the constitutional framework established by the UN to guide the interim stabilisation of Kosovo. Crucially, the court reaffirmed Kosovo's place in the international community, something which 69 countries have already recognised.

Since we need more recognitions to achieve our seat at the UN general assembly, I am calling on those states that have not yet done so to recognise Kosovo. I am grateful to the current British government for its constructive efforts in allowing Kosovo to take its place among other nations. In addition, Tony Blair is making similar representations to the same countries on our behalf.

Kosovans did not arrive at the decision to declare independence lightly, or by default through political vacuum. Indeed, as the ICJ acknowledged, the circumstances that led to Kosovo's declaration of independence were unique. The narrowness of the court's ruling on this issue should reassure any country reluctant to recognise Kosovo to date. Our declaration did not set a precedent, and any suggestions that the court's ruling opens a Pandora's box are wrong. Countries still opposing our sovereignty, typically because of secessionist concerns within their own borders, should accept this.

Today's Serbian government has a different complexion from the one that terrorised my people 11 years ago. All the same, some influential elements within it are still trying to pick holes in the ICJ's decision, hoping to open another UN general assembly resolution to contest Kosovo's status. The legal question about Kosovo's independence was asked and the court's answer was unambiguous. The Serbian government may not have liked the answer it received from the court, but if it maintains aspirations of its own to be part of the greater European family, it must surely accept the rule of law.

Frankly, Kosovars see the ruling as an opportunity to put the past behind us and move forward with all the countries of the Balkans, including Serbia, towards true Euro-Atlantic integration. My country looks forward to working with Serbia and discussing practical issues that would improve the lives of all of our citizens. We are neighbours and we face common challenges. Our police forces must work together to combat the ravages of international crime. Our two countries need to co-operate on practical issues such as energy, telecommunications, and education. We have a common interest in working together to identify the fate of missing persons – both Albanian and Serb – from the sad period of the war we both experienced.

Our Serbian neighbours may not recognise Kosovo's independence just yet, but co-operation between the two independent states is inevitable. Meanwhile Kosovo will continue to build on the firm foundations it has laid since 2008. We will complete implementation of the Ahtisaari plan – now enshrined in our new constitution – with its far-reaching guarantees for a secular society that protects the rights of members of all ethnic groups in Kosovo, including Serbs. We will continue to strengthen our democratic institutions and we will take the decisions necessary to promote long-term, private sector-led economic growth.

There is much to do, but Kosovo is already open for investment, business and tourism. As Tony Blair declared in his speech to our parliament in July: "There is a dream for you now. That one day, Kosovo takes its place as a member of the European Union, a proud independent state, not just directing its own affairs, but playing its part in those of the largest political and commercial union in the world."

Yes, Kosovo will continue the reforms necessary to secure its rightful place in the UN, in Nato and the EU, and we are delighted that Mr Blair continues to champion our cause. His role in Kosovo's history will be recognised as an important example in a great legacy. Kosovo has honoured him with the Golden Medal of Freedom, and Kosovans will forever remember him as one of their heroes. Hashim Thaci