PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been awarded the Order of Independence – the highest civilian honour bestowed by the Republic of Kosovo.
The award was presented by Kosovo’s President, Dr Vjosa Osmani Sadriu, in recognition of Malaysia’s consistent support for Kosovo’s independence and state-building efforts, as well as Anwar’s personal commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
“This honour also reflects your unwavering dedication to further deepening the ties between our two nations,” Osmani said during a joint press conference with Anwar in Putrajaya yesterday.
“Thank you and ‘terima kasih’ on behalf of the people of Kosovo.”
The ceremony held at the Perdana Putra Complex was attended by Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, foreign diplomats and senior government officials.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the award signifies Kosovo’s highest recognition of individuals who have made significant contributions to the country’s independence.
“The conferment recognises Malaysia’s unwavering support for Kosovo’s statehood and post-independence development, as well as Prime Minister Anwar’s steadfast commitment to strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries,” the statement said.
Earlier, Osmani, who is on a four-day official visit to Malaysia, was accorded an official welcome, which included an inspection of a guard of honour mounted by three officers and 103 personnel from the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment (Ceremonial), led by Mejar Muhammad Fikri Senan.
The government of Kosovo will also confer the Order of Independence on the late former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in appreciation of his pivotal role during a defining period in Kosovo’s history.
“Under his stewardship, Malaysia became one of the first countries to recognise Kosovo’s independence on Oct 30, 2008,” the statement added.
Osmani arrived in Malaysia yesterday, marking her first visit to the country since taking office on April 4, 2021.
In 2024, bilateral trade between Malaysia and Kosovo totalled RM28.55mil.
Malaysian exports, valued at RM25.92mil, include palm oil, electrical and electronic products and other manufactured goods, while imports from Kosovo, worth RM2.63mil, primarily consisted of raw materials and semi-precious stones.
