Kosovo–Pakistan relations

Kosovo–Pakistan relations

Kosovo
Pakistan

Kosovan–Pakistani relations are foreign relations between the Republic of Kosovo and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Pakistan recognised Kosovo on 24 December 2012 become the 98th state that recognised Kosovo. Simultaneously, Pakistan's ambassador to the Republic of Turkey in Ankara was accredited to the Republic of Kosovo.

Reaction before the recognition

In February 2008, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry released the following statement: "We understand and support the legitimate aspirations of the Kosovars and the need for peace in Kosovo and the region. Pakistan is watching the developments in Kosovo carefully. We have noted the recognition extended by a number of important countries to the declaration of independence by the Kosovo Parliament and the statement made by the OIC Secretary General expressing happiness over this development, and solidarity and support with the Kosovars. Our policy will be guided by these developments and the aspirations of the people of Kosovo. It remains our earnest desire that situation remains calm and peaceful in Kosovo and the region."[1]

At a meeting on 28 January 2009 between the Kosovan Foreign Minister, Skënder Hyseni, and Mr. Shahbaz, Pakistan's Ambassador to Austria, the ambassador said that the people and government of Pakistan support Kosovo on its path. He said that Pakistan is conducting intensive talks with its neighbours and other members of the OIC on the issue, and that it is just a matter of time before Pakistan takes the decision to recognise Kosovo.[2] At a meeting on 26 May 2009 between the Kosovan Foreign Minister, Skënder Hyseni, and Hussain Haroon, the representative of Pakistan to the UN, Mr. Haroon reportedly said "finally we support your cause".[3]

In a 20 May 2010 conversation with the Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said "that Pakistan was keenly observing the current situation" in Kosovo, and that Pakistan would "wait for ICJ's opinion before taking any decision".[4]

In April 2011, the Pakistani Foreign Office stated that "Islamabad is willing to recognise the Kosovo Republic, Pakistan is being pressed by several Muslim states and the United States to recognise the republic. Also, the people of Kosovo, whom it had been supporting in their freedom struggle against Serbian occupation, are also eagerly awaiting recognition by Pakistan, but the situation in Balochistan does not allow us to do so... We are sorry we can't do so, Pakistan finds it impossible to translate its desire into a reality."[5] On 13 April 2011, Israr Hussain the Director for Europe at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan stated that the issue of Kosovo's recognition by Pakistan will be discussed very soon and that it is a priority for the Government of Islamabad.[6]

Recognition and aftermath

On 13 December 2011 Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremić on a visit to Pakistan said that Pakistan supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia and does not support the independence of Kosovo.[7] However, on 21 December 2012 it was reported that Pakistan recognised Kosovo.[8] On 24 December 2012 the Government of Pakistan announced their recognition of the Republic of Kosovo. Simultaneously they established diplomatic relations with Pakistan's Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey in Ankara being accredited to the Republic of Kosovo as non-resident Ambassador.[9]

In late October 2013 during a meeting in London between Kosovar President Atifete Jahjaga and Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif it was agreed to boost economic trade between the two countries and avoid double taxation on goods. Each leader was invited and to one another's country for a state visit, both leaders accepted the invitation. At the meeting Pakistan also agreed to support Kosovo's membership in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.[10]

References

  1. ↑ Declaration of Independence by Kosovo, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, 2008-02-19
  2. ↑ Recognition of Kosovo by Pakistan just a matter of time, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kosovo, 2009-01-28
  3. ↑ The Pakistan Government supports Kosovo's cause, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kosovo, 2009-05-26
  4. ↑ Turkish leader telephones PM Gilani, Associated Press of Pakistan, 2010-05-20
  5. ↑ Declaration of independence: Pakistan, India in a bind over Kosovo status, Tribune, 2011-04-10
  6. ↑ Pakistan will recognise Kosovo, Albeu, 2011-04-13
  7. ↑ FM: Pakistan supports Serbia on Kosovo, B92 News, 2011-12-13
  8. ↑ "Pakistan Recognises Kosovo". blic.rs. 21 December 2012. Retrieved 21 December 2012.
  9. ↑ Recognition of the Republic of Kosovo, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 2012-12-24
  10. ↑ "Kosovo President meets Sharif". dawn.com. 31 October 2013. Retrieved 1 November 2013.
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 5/13/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.