PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has extended his congratulations and a warm welcome to the government of Kosovo on the occasion of the opening of its embassy in Kuala Lumpur, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations between the two nations.
The embassy is scheduled to be officially inaugurated at 6pm today.
Speaking at a joint press conference held during the four-day official visit of Kosovo’s President, Dr Vjosa Osmani Sadriu, Anwar described the embassy’s establishment as “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 also include cooperation in halal products, as Malaysia’s halal specifications are internationally recognised, and help facilitate the export of products from both Malaysia and Kosovo,” he said.
Anwar also stressed the potential for deeper economic collaboration, particularly by leveraging Kosovo’s relationship with the European Union.
“But more critically, the collaboration in trade and investment so that we can utilise the strength of Kosovo and the strong relations with the European Union,” he added.
President Osmani Sadriu, who arrived yesterday, was formally welcomed with an official ceremony at the Perdana Putra Complex earlier today.
Malaysia was among the earliest Asian countries to recognise Kosovo’s independence on 30 October 2008, with formal diplomatic relations established on March 18, 2011.
Anwar reiterated Malaysia’s commitment to working with Kosovo beyond traditional diplomatic ties, seeking broader collaboration across multiple sectors.
“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 also confirmed that Malaysia would resume bilateral consultations at the official level soon to ensure the smooth implementation of programmes, projects, and initiatives related to economic and trade relations.
During their meeting, both leaders also exchanged views on global affairs.
Anwar said, “Both leaders shared a strong belief in independence, human rights, and respect for human dignity,” noting they discussed a wide range of international issues, including the situation in Palestine and broader efforts to promote peace across the globe.
Reflecting on the enduring connection between the two countries, Anwar recalled Malaysia’s long-standing support for 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 said.
He added that many Malaysians had closely followed the events in Bosnia Herzegovina and Kosovo, recalling that during the premiership of Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Malaysia was among the first nations to formally recognise Kosovo’s independence. – May 2, 2025