Newsletters
Albania on Sunday reaffirmed its firm support for Kosovo's sovereignty and independence, a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv's position on Kosovo remained unchanged during his visit to Serbia.
In a post on X, Albania's Foreign Ministry reacted to Zelenskyy's remarks in Belgrade, where he said Ukraine's policy on Kosovo had not changed.
The ministry said Zelenskyy's visit to Serbia was important, adding that dialogue is always welcome, especially when it opens space for difficult questions to be addressed with openness, responsibility and historical awareness.
"Just as Albania stands, and will continue to stand, firmly with Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and European future, we stand equally firmly for Kosovo's sovereignty, independence and rightful place in the Euro-Atlantic family," the ministry said.
The ministry said Kosovo's case rests on its own historical, political and legal foundations.
It recalled that, at the request of the United Nations General Assembly, the International Court of Justice found that Kosovo's declaration of independence did not violate international law.
"Any attempt to draw a parallel or establish an equation between Kosovo and any other international situation is wrong, opportunistic and profoundly misleading," the ministry said.
It said Russia's aggression against Ukraine is an "entirely different" matter and constitutes a "grave violation" of the U.N. Charter and international law.
"From Albania's perspective, one principle is fundamental: a peaceful, stable and European Western Balkans requires acceptance of the reality and irreversibility of Kosovo's independence," the ministry said.
The ministry said Kosovo's independence has contributed to regional stability and is part of a future in which borders are not changed by force and peoples and communities can determine their future in peace and security.
It said Albania firmly supports both Serbia and Kosovo taking their place in a shared European future.
1 min read
The normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, ultimately leading to mutual recognition, would not weaken Serbia, the ministry said.
"The Western Balkans today perhaps need this positive energy more than ever," it added.
"President Zelenskyy's visit to Serbia primarily advances Ukraine's interests. This is both understandable and legitimate," the ministry said.
Meanwhile, Kosovar Foreign Minister Behgjet Pacolli described Zelenskyy’s remarks as “deeply disappointing.” He noted that Kosovo has stood by Ukraine and genuinely sympathized with the suffering of its people.
“If this is Ukraine’s response to that solidarity, it is truly regrettable,” Pacolli said.
During his visit to Belgrade on Saturday, Zelenskyy said Ukraine's position on Kosovo remains unchanged and that Kyiv respects Serbia's territorial sovereignty.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but Belgrade still claims the territory.
Ukraine does not recognize Kosovo as an independent state.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
