Japan-Kosovo Relations
Japan-Kosovo Foreign Ministers’ meeting
July 19, 2024
On July 19, commencing at 4:00 p.m. (local time) (11:00 p.m. JST) for approximately 30 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting the Republic of Kosovo, held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Ms. Donika Gëlvalla, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kosovo. The overview is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Gëlvalla welcomed Minister Kamikawa's visit to Kosovo and expressed her desire to further develop bilateral relations in a wide range of fields. Minister Kamikawa expressed her pleasure at being the first Japanese Foreign Minister to visit Kosovo on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Kosovo.
- Bilateral Relationship (Western Balkans Cooperation Initiative)
- Minister Kamikawa emphasized the importance of achieving peace and stability as well as promoting cooperation in the region and its integration into Europe for Western Balkans’ development. Minister Kamikawa then referred to the various assistance Japan has provided to Kosovo under the “Western Balkans Cooperation Initiative,” and mentioned examples of Japanese companies operating in Kosovo. Minister Gërvalla expressed her gratitude for Japan's support to date. The two foreign ministers then confirmed to further develop economic relations between the two countries, taking the opportunity of Kosovo's participation in the Osaka-Kansai Expo next year.
- Minister Kamikawa also stated that the promotion of Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) is essential for further developing resilient economy and society. Foreign Minister Gelvala also stated that Kosovo, where women have played a major role in the assistance for those who suffered from conflicts, attaches great importance to WPS, and both sides confirmed that they will work together to promote WPS.
- Regarding the dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo,Minister Kamikawa stated that Japan supports the resolution of issues through the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue mediated by the EU, and that it is important for all parties to faithfully fulfill their respective obligations under the dialogue. In response, Foreign Minister Gëlvalla explained the current situation of the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue.