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Syria formally recognized Kosovo as an independent and sovereign state Wednesday, marking a dramatic reversal of decades of opposition under the former Assad regime.
The announcement came after a trilateral meeting in the Saudi capital between Syrian, Saudi Arabian and Kosovar officials, according to a statement from Syria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates posted on social media platform X.
"In this context, the Syrian Arab Republic announces its formal recognition of the Republic of Kosovo as a sovereign and independent state," the ministry stated. "Syria emphasizes its willingness to establish bilateral relations based on mutual respect that will serve the interests of both peoples and contribute to security in the Balkans and the world."
The recognition comes as a policy departure for Damascus. Under the Assad family's rule, which lasted from 1971 until the regime's fall in Dec. 2024, Syria consistently refused to recognize Kosovo and maintained strong support for Serbian territorial integrity.
The Syrian government said the decision came as part of a comprehensive review of its foreign policy. The ministry's statement emphasized that the country remains open to cooperation with all nations based on principles of mutual respect, common interests and non-interference in internal affairs.
The statement described the recognition of Kosovo's independence as "a clear and unambiguous position on behalf of the Arab world," adding that Damascus aims to develop cooperation with Kosovo in various fields and increase diplomatic coordination on international platforms to serve the common interests of both countries and peoples.
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Wednesday's trilateral meeting in Riyadh focused on strengthening bilateral relations, organizing consular work and examining perspectives for cooperation between the three nations, according to the Syrian Foreign Ministry.
The meeting laid the groundwork for the formal recognition announcement, which Syrian officials said reflects the country's commitment to establishing diplomatic ties that benefit both populations.
Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani thanked Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa for the recognition and support of her country's sovereignty.
"The peoples of Kosovo and Syria have suffered greatly and made sacrifices to achieve their freedom," Osmani said in a statement. "Therefore, today's mutual recognition is not only about state sovereignty but also about acknowledging the sacrifices made by many generations for the right to live freely."
Osmani noted that Kosovo is now recognized by 120 countries and emphasized that the republic continues to advance with nothing capable of stopping its progress.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia on Feb. 17, 2008. Türkiye led numerous countries in immediately recognizing the new state. The most recent recognitions came from Kenya on March 26 and Sudan on April 12.
Syria's recognition marks a significant addition to the growing list of nations acknowledging Kosovo's sovereignty, particularly as it represents a shift in Arab world diplomacy toward the Balkan nation.
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