Japan-Kosovo Relations

(1) Prime Minister Abe welcomed President Thaci’s third visit to Japan following his previous visit as Prime Minister. Prime Minister Abe expressed pleasure to welcome the President of Kosovo to Japan for the first time especially in this memorable year of the tenth anniversary of Japan-Kosovo diplomatic relations.

(2) In response, President Thaci expressed his appreciation for the invitation. Furthermore, President Thaci expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by Japan, one of the first countries which recognized Kosovo. In addition, President Thaci expressed an intention to further enhance the bilateral relationship on this year’s tenth anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

(1) Prime Minister Abe noted the steady development of Japan-Kosovo relations over the last ten years. Prime Minister Abe then stated that Japan will open the Embassy in Kosovo in January 2020. Prime Minister Abe also expressed an intention to expand bilateral cooperation in a variety of areas, through both Embassies as a base for deepening bilateral relations. In response, President Thaci welcomed the opening of the Embassy.

(2) Prime Minister Abe stated that Japan has consistently supported Kosovo’s state-building efforts, and that Japan will continue to support Kosovo in areas such as environment. The two leaders also shared the view on advancing cooperation in the economic area. As part of this, Prime Minister Abe stated that Japan will host a business seminar targeted at Japanese companies in Vienna next month, which will introduce the business climate in Kosovo. In response, President Thaci welcomed the seminar, expecting further investment from Japan, and stated that Kosovo is considering the possibility of establishment of a business park for Japanese investment.

(3) The two leaders shared the view on promoting people-to-people exchanges, including sports exchanges on the occasion of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

(1) Prime Minister Abe touched upon the Western Balkans Cooperation Initiative he announced in January 2018. He stated that Japan supports a strongly unified Europe that shares fundamental values, and will continue to contribute to promoting the socio-economic reforms of Kosovo and intra-regional cooperation, in order to ensure the stability and development of the Western Balkans as a part of Europe. In response, President Thaci welcomed Prime Minister Abe’s Initiative and interest in the Western Balkans region including Kosovo.

(2) The two leaders exchanged views on the situation of the Western Balkans. President Thaci expressed his commitment to dialogue aimed at mutual recognition between Kosovo and Serbia.

The two leaders shared the view to continue to coordinate closely for the denuclearization of North Korea. In addition, Prime Minister Abe requested President Thaci’s understanding and cooperation toward the early resolution of the abductions issue and obtained President Thaci’s support.

The two leaders shared the view on promoting cooperation in the international arena.