Abdullah discusses security in Balkans with Prime Minister of Kosovo
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, discussed efforts to strengthen security in the Balkans during talks with Albin Kurti, Prime Minister of Kosovo.
During the meeting in Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, Sheikh Abdullah reaffirmed the UAE’s support for the recent European-backed agreement between Kosovo and Serbia to normalise ties. The Balkan nations have been in talks for almost a decade aimed at improving relations. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008.
Sheikh Abdullah conveyed the greetings of President Sheikh Mohamed and called for progress and prosperity for Kosovo and its people.
Mr Kurti relayed similar sentiments in return, stressing the importance of Sheikh Abdullah’s visit in strengthening co-operation with the UAE.
Sheikh Abdullah said he was delighted to be making the official visit, which he said was in line with the UAE’s commitment to building links with Kosovo and its Balkan neighbours.
Mr Kurti expressed his appreciation for the UAE’s support of his country.
Sheikh Abdullah also met Donika Gervalla-Schwarz, Kosovo’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora.
Ms Gervalla-Schwarz said Sheikh Abdullah’s visit played a significant role in developing co-operation.
She hailed the UAE’s support of Kosovo and highlighted its prominent status on the regional and global stage.
Both meetings were attended by Omar Ghobash, Assistant Minister for Culture and Public Diplomacy; Saeed Al Hajeri, Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, and Nabila Al Shamsi, UAE ambassador to Montenegro and non-resident ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina and to Kosovo.
Sheikh Abdullah’s talks in Kosovo on Tuesday followed a working visit to Greece.
He was met by a guard of honour on arrival in Athens, where he held talks with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Both men stressed their desire to enhance economic co-operation, given that trade reached $561 million in 2021, representing a 68 per cent increase on 2020 figures.
They also touched on partnerships in the aviation sector, with a focus on increasing numbers of direct flights between the UAE and Greece.