The agreements consist of a joint communiqué establishing relations, a memorandum of understanding on diplomatic consultations between the two foreign ministries, and an agreement on development cooperation via Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation (MASHAV). Documents were scanned and exchanged electronically for final signatures. In a significant diplomatic concession, Kosovo has recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Ashkenazi confirmed he had accepted Kosovo’s formal request to open an embassy in the city, presenting a bronze plaque to mark the future entrance. The embassy is expected to open by March, likely around the time of Passover. Israel does not currently have plans to open a resident embassy in Pristina and will instead appoint a nonresident ambassador.
The deal was brokered by the United States as part of broader normalization efforts. It follows a September meeting between Kosovo Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in the White House, hosted by former US President Donald Trump. This arrangement links the establishment of Israel-Kosovo ties to the US-brokered economic agreement between Serbia and Kosovo. Several US representatives, including officials from the State Department, participated in the virtual ceremony. State Department spokesperson Ned Price tweeted congratulations, stating that the United States is stronger when its partners are united.
The development has triggered immediate diplomatic pushback from regional powers. Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic stated on Tuesday that Belgrade was “not happy” with the decision, noting that Israel’s recognition of Kosovo’s statehood would “undoubtedly influence relations between Serbia and Israel.” Serbia, which denies Kosovo’s independence, has maintained good relations with Israel since 1991. Turkey also voiced strong objections, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hami Aksoy declaring that Kosovo’s plan to move its embassy to Jerusalem violates UN resolutions and international law. Ankara argued that such a step undermines the two-state solution and does not serve the Palestinian cause.
Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008, remains unrecognized by key powers including Russia and China, preventing its entry into the United Nations. By recognizing Jerusalem, Kosovo becomes the first Muslim-majority country to do so, joining only the US and Guatemala in having embassies in the city. The next step involves the physical establishment of the Kosovo embassy in Jerusalem, expected to open within the coming weeks.
