RIYADH: Following Saudi Arabia’s recognition of an independent Kosovo this week, Pristina has announced plans to establish full-fledged diplomatic relations with the Kingdom.
The diplomatic ties will boost political and commercial exchanges between the two countries. It will also allow Kosovars to travel to the Kingdom on their own passports. Currently Kosovars travel abroad using identity documents issued by the UN mission in Pristina.
“The Saudi recognition will ensure that Saudi embassies and consular missions abroad will accept Kosovo passports and issue visas to Kosovars,” said Bekim Sejdiu, the country’s ambassador to Turkey.
Sejdiu, who has been lobbying for Arab support for Kosovo, was speaking to Arab News via telephone from Istanbul. Speaking on behalf of the Kosovo government and people, he expressed gratitude and appreciation for the Saudi recognition.
Sejdiu pointed out that Saudi citizens do not require visas to enter Kosovo.
In July, five months after declaring independence, the Kosovo government started issuing passports to citizens, Admirim Banaj, Albanian ambassador in Riyadh, said yesterday. Banaj said Saudi recognition would also help Kosovars perform Haj this year. “Despite the harsh economic situation in the newborn country, hundreds of people are keen on performing Haj this year,” he said.
He pointed out that 98 percent of the Kosovo population is Muslim and speaks Albanian. He added that some 40 doctors and paramedics from Kosovo have been working at a Riyadh hospital, having come to the Kingdom on UN passports.
He said Saudi Arabia had been extending all possible support to Kosovo for several years. The Saudi Joint Committee for the Relief of Kosovo has provided millions of dollars in rehabilitation aid to Kosovo. The projects included distribution of foodstuffs and other relief supplies, educational and religious programs, sponsorship of orphans, health care and development. Saudi individuals have also made generous donations to the people of Kosovo.
The Assembly of Kosovo, an umbrella body of the provisional institutions of self-government under the United Nations Interim Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), declared independence on Feb. 17, 2008.
At present, 14 countries maintain embassies in Pristina. Kosovo is also host to seven non-resident ambassadors, as well as 11 liaison offices.
Russia maintains a liaison office with UNMIK.
