PUTRAJAYA, May 2 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has extended congratulations and a warm welcome to the Kosovo government following the opening of its embassy in Kuala Lumpur, which will be inaugurated at 6pm today.
Speaking at a joint press conference held in conjunction with the four-day official visit of Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, Anwar called the establishment of the embassy a landmark moment in strengthening bilateral relations between Malaysia and Kosovo.
“This will certainly facilitate trade, investment, education, culture, and tourism between our two countries. It will include cooperation in halal products, as Malaysia’s halal specifications are internationally recognised, and facilitate the export of products from both Malaysia and Kosovo,” Anwar said.
He emphasised the importance of economic collaboration, particularly in leveraging Kosovo’s ties with the European Union, and, “more critically, the collaboration in trade and investment so we can utilise the strength of Kosovo and its strong relations with the European Union”.
Osmani-Sadriu, who arrived yesterday, was accorded an official welcome at the Perdana Putra Complex here earlier today.
Malaysia was among the earliest Asian nations to recognise Kosovo’s independence on October 30, 2008, with formal diplomatic relations established on March 18, 2011.
Anwar said Malaysia remains committed to working with Kosovo beyond traditional diplomatic ties, expanding into trade, investment, and broader cooperation between both nations.
“I look forward to more engagements other than the technical cooperation with Kosovo, but please be assured, President, that we don’t treat this as an ordinary diplomatic engagement, but to give you this commitment that Malaysia is a true friend,” he said.
He said he had assured Osmani-Sadriu that Malaysia would resume bilateral consultations at official level soon to ensure the smooth implementation of programmes, projects, as well as economic and trade relations.
Anwar said that during their earlier meeting, both leaders also exchanged views on global developments.
He said both leaders shared a strong belief in independence, human rights, and respect for human dignity, and they discussed a wide range of global issues, including the situation in Palestine and efforts to promote peace in various parts of the world.
Reminiscing on the deepening ties between the two nations, Anwar said Malaysia has long followed Kosovo’s journey to independence and stability.
“We went through, of course, the history of Kosovo, and we admire the resilience of its people, having to endure so many difficulties, hardship, and the atrocities committed against them.
He added that many Malaysians had closely followed the events in Bosnia Herzegovina and Kosovo, and recalled that during Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s tenure as prime minister, Malaysia was among the first countries to take the right step by recognising Kosovo’s independence.
— Bernama
