PETALING JAYA: Malaysia welcomes the establishment of a Kosovo embassy in Kuala Lumpur, which will facilitate bilateral ties between the two countries, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said that the opening of the Kosovo embassy in Kuala Lumpur represents a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship.
"And this will certainly facilitate trade, investment, education, culture, tourism between our two countries.
"And this includes, of course, halal products, because Malaysia's halal certification is recognised internationally.
"This will also facilitate the export of our products and the import of products from Kosovo," said Anwar during a joint press conference with Kosovo President Dr Vjosa Osmani Sadriu at the Perdana Putra Complex here Friday (May 2).
Anwar also said that Malaysia was looking forward to further collaboration in trade and investment, so that Malaysia will be able to utilise the strength of Kosovo and the strong relations with the European Union.
"But please be assured, Madam President, that we don't treat this as an ordinary diplomatic engagement.
"I look forward to more engagements other than the technical cooperation (MTCP) with Kosovo
"But I give you this commitment that Malaysia is a true friend, we will remain committed beyond diplomatic engagements, trade investments, and meaningful relations between the two countries," said Anwar.
He added that both of them discussed several other issues including a number of international issues during their meeting.
"Because we truly believe in the issue of independence, human rights, and respect for human dignity.
"We discussed a wide range of areas from Palestine to peace in many parts of the world," said the Prime Minister.
Meanwhile, Vjosa Osmani thanked Anwar and the Malaysian government for its continued support of Kosovo, especially on the opening of its embassy in Malaysia, which she believed would expand trade, and encourage more investments in key sectors.
"It's a true privilege to stand on Malaysian soil and a moment that will be remembered as a key milestone in the friendship between our two countries.
"Although we are separated by geography, Kosovo and Malaysia are brought closer by our shared belief in the power of unity," she said.
She also thanked Anwar for lifting the visa requirement for citizens of Kosovo to visit Malaysia.
"Because this is an act of trust, an act of friendship and recognition of true potential that exists between our two countries," she said.
On the economic front, she said both countries agreed on the importance of expanding trade, encouraging more investment in key sectors.
"And there are so many of which there is potential, from agriculture to energy, from technology to the halal industry, as you mentioned, Mr Prime Minister.
"Therefore, bringing our businesses closer together, creating more jobs and sparking new opportunities," she said.
In the security sector, she said Kosovo stands ready to partner with Malaysia in tackling shared challenges, from cybersecurity to counterterrorism to disaster response.
"The safety of our people depends on our cooperation and on standing shoulder to shoulder with each other when the dialogue is closed," she said.
On education and culture, which is the lifeline of long-lasting partnerships, she said Kosovo was committed to strengthening university linkages, student exchanges and cultural dialogue in Malaysia as well as Kosovo.
"And this regards so many of our young people studying in your wonderful country. Because when our young people learn from each other, they build not just understanding, but also resilience and respect," she explained.
She also thanked Anwar and Malaysia for its continued support for Kosovo's membership in international organisations.
"Kosovo is ready to contribute to the whole support of regional platforms such as Asean, with tremendous responsibility and partnership," she said.
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.
