Poland Establishes Consular Relations With Republic of Kosovo
“The agreement implements the Resolution No. 184/2022 of the Council of Ministers of September 5, 2022, on the establishment of consular relations between the Republic of Poland and the Republic of Kosovo,” the statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland reads, AtoZSerwisPlus.pl reports.
According to the Ministry, the Republic of Poland recognised the independence of the Republic of Kosovo with the resolution of the Council of Ministers dated February 26, 2008, yet not establishing diplomatic and consular relations at the same time. Poland was also the first Slavic country to recognise the country.
In addition, the Ministry also emphasises that this agreement will provide Polish citizens with an optimal level of consular protection in Kosovo.
Poland is one of the countries that support the European integration of all the Western Balkans countries, as it believes this move would contribute to ensuring stability and security in the region.
In this regard, Poland has been a significant contributor for years with the Polish military contingent as part of KFOR and the EULEX police mission in Kosovo.
Currently, Poland has 274 troops serving in Kosovo as peacekeepers in the NATO-led Kosovo Force. Initially, there were 800 Polish troops in KFOR.
Considering that Poland has supported Kosovo in the EU integration and has contributed to the stability and security of the region, the same, together with the Ministers for EU Affairs of France and Germany, have also called for progress in the liberalisation of visas for Kosovo.
The Ministers said they fully support the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue led by the EU, as the need for a comprehensive agreement will enable both countries to advance on their European paths.
Previously, according to experts on integration, it was estimated that by the end of this year, a decision would be made to remove visas for Kosovo. At the same time, the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, said that his country would officially apply to become the newest member of the European Union this year.
Such an announcement has come despite concerns raised about tensions with Serbia, which also aims to become a member of the EU. However, in June, Prime Minister Kurti revealed that Kosovo plans to submit its official application before the end of this year.