Jewish Voice – 2/5/21
With Meliza Haradinaj-Stublla, Kosovo’s foreign minister, in Pristina and Gabi Ashkenazi, Israel’s minister of foreign affairs, in Jerusalem, a joint declaration establishing ties between the two countries was signed via a Zoom ceremony. Kosovo also plans to open an embassy in Jerusalem – recognizing the city as Israel’s capital, The Times of Israel reported.
“The establishment of relations between Israel and Kosovo is an important and moving historical step that reflects the many changes the region has experienced in recent months,” Ashkenazi said. “Today, Kosovo officially joins the circle of countries that aspire to peace and stability and recognize Israel, and Jerusalem as its capital.”
Haradinaj-Stublla said, “Recognition by Israel is one of the greatest achievements for Kosovo, coming at a key moment for us, thanks to the United States of America, our common and eternal ally,” she said. The decision to establish ties between Muslim-majority Kosovo and Israel occurred last September at a summit of Kosovo-Serbia leaders at the White House with then-President Donald Trump.