Embassy’s opening in KL to deepen trade, investment collaboration
PETALING JAYA: The opening of the Kosovo Embassy in Kuala Lumpur marks a new chapter in Malaysia-Kosovo relations, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Speaking at a joint press conference during the four-day official visit of Kosovo’s President, Dr Vjosa Osmani Sadriu, Anwar described the embassy’s establishment as a significant milestone in bilateral ties.
“This will certainly facilitate cooperation in trade, investment, education, culture and tourism between our two countries,” he said.
“It includes, of course, halal products, given Malaysia’s internationally recognised halal certification.
“This will also ease both the export of Malaysian products and the import of Kosovan goods.”
Anwar added that Malaysia is keen to deepen its collaboration with Kosovo in trade and investment, leveraging Kosovo’s strengths and its strong relations with the European Union.
“But let me assure you, Madam President, we are not treating this as an ordinary diplomatic engagement.
“I give you this commitment that Malaysia is a true friend and will remain steadfast beyond diplomatic engagements and trade investments between the two countries,” he said.
He also noted that their discussions touched on a number of international matters, underlining shared values such as independence, human rights and human dignity.
“We talked about a wide range of issues, from the situation in Palestine to peace efforts in many parts of the world,” he said.
Osmani, in turn, expressed her gratitude to Anwar and the Malaysian government for their support, particularly for enabling the opening of Kosovo’s embassy in Malaysia, which she believes will help boost trade and investment.
“It’s a true privilege to stand on Malaysian soil. This moment will be remembered as a key milestone in the friendship between our two countries.
“Although we are geographically separated, 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 Kosovan citizens visiting Malaysia, calling it “an act of trust, friendship and recognition of true potential between our two countries”.
On economic cooperation, she said both countries agreed on the importance of expanding trade, encouraging more investment in key sectors.
“There are so many which have potential, from agriculture to energy, technology to the halal industry, as you mentioned, Mr Prime Minister.
“This will help bring our business communities closer, creating more jobs and sparking new opportunities,” she said.
In terms of security, she expressed Kosovo’s readiness to work with Malaysia on mutual challenges such as cybersecurity, counterterrorism and disaster response.
Osmani also stressed the importance of education and culture in building long-term partnerships, pledging Kosovo’s commitment to deepen university ties, student exchanges and cultural dialogues.
“Because when our young people learn from each other, they build not just understanding, but also resilience and respect,” she said.
She also thanked Anwar and Malaysia for its continued backing for Kosovo’s efforts to join international organisations.
“Kosovo is ready to contribute in supporting regional platforms such as Asean,” she said.
Malaysia was one of the first Asian nations to recognise Kosovo on Oct 30, 2008, with formal diplomatic relations established on March 18, 2011.
