KOSOVO EMBASSY IN KUALA LUMPUR IMPORTANT TO EXPANDING SOUTHEAST ASIA TIES- KOSOVO PRESIDENT
KUALA LUMPUR, May 2 (Bernama) -- Kosovo’s President Dr Vjosa Osmani Sadriu hailed the opening of the country’s new embassy in Kuala Lumpur as a strategic milestone in expanding its diplomatic presence in one of the world’s most vibrant regions — the heart of Southeast Asia.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Friday, she said the embassy’s establishment reflects Kosovo’s broader ambition to build lasting ties with ASEAN countries and elevate its profile on the global stage.
She described the opening of the embassy as both strategic and timely — a vital connection to a region shaping the future of global markets, international policy, and the evolving dynamics of the 21st century.
“Through this act, Kosovo expresses its commitment to deepening cooperation with Malaysia, first and foremost — from diplomacy and economic exchange to education and culture.
“With the embassy now in Kuala Lumpur, Kosovo looks forward to deepening bilateral cooperation in tangible ways — encouraging mutual investment, expanding trade, forging partnerships in education and technology, and advancing joint efforts in multilateral forums where Kosovo seeks greater recognition, stronger alliances, and meaningful contributions to the global agenda of peace and development,” she said.
Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim earlier Friday described the establishment of the embassy as a landmark moment in strengthening bilateral relations between Malaysia and Kosovo.
Osmani is on her four-day official visit to Malaysia beginning Thursday. This is the President’s maiden official visit to the country since assuming office on April 4, 2021.
According to Osmani, Kosovo’s ties with Malaysia are rooted not only in the support in the darkest hours of Kosovo’s history but also one built on future cooperation and potential, which both nations and their people strive to achieve.
Citing a Malay saying ‘Bersatu teguh, bercerai roboh’ the president said that every embassy is far more than just a building—it is a window through which Kosovo engages with the world.
It is a place where we observe, listen, and foster meaningful connections between peoples and countries. But beyond that, an embassy is the home of a nation on foreign soil. It embodies our voice, our presence and our trust reflected in the flag we raise, in the values that we carry, and the people who represent us, she added.
During the event, the President also awarded The Order of Independence posthumously to former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in recognition of his dedication to peace and freedom in Kosovo, and his unwavering support for the country’s independence and state-building process.
The highest state decoration in Kosovo was received by Abdullah’s son-in-law and former Health Minister Khairy Jamaludin.
Osmani said Tun Abdullah, whom she met in 2008, was truly deserving of the recognition for his steadfast support of Kosovo’s independence and his efforts to garner international backing from leaders around the world.
Meanwhile, Khairy told reporters he was inspired by Abdullah’s dedication to Kosovo’s independence and his efforts to rally international support during that period.
Also present at the event were Minister-in-Attendance Fadhlina Sidek, members of the diplomatic corps and representatives from the business community.
Malaysia officially recognised Kosovo on Oct 30, 2008, becoming one of the first Asian countries to do so. Diplomatic relations were formally established on March 18, 2011.
In 2024, total bilateral trade between Malaysia and Kosovo reached RM28.55 million (US$6.0 million), with Malaysia’s exports to the republic valued at RM25.92 million (US$5.5 million), and imports at RM2.63 million (US$550,000).
Key Malaysian exports include palm oil, electrical and electronic products, and manufactured goods, while imports from Kosovo mainly consist of raw materials and semi-precious stones.
-- BERNAMA
