Thewesternbalkans
Kosovo Minister of Foreign Affairs Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz, and Israel’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Moshe Arbel, signed an agreement in Prishtina on June 18, to allow Kosovo citizens to travel to Israel visa-free from September 19, 2024.
Gërvalla-Schwarz described the signing of the agreement as a proof of strong relations between Kosovo and Israel. Kosovo Minister of Foreign Affairs said the agreement will “open a new chapter in promoting our country, our cooperation and economic development, youngsters’ educational development and the implementation of joint initiatives and projects between our citizens and our countries in the future.”
Along with Gërvalla- Schwarz, the Israeli minister, Arbel, during his stay in Kosovo also held meetings with the Prime Minister, Albin Kurti and the Speaker of the Assembly, Glauk Konjufca.
Speaker Konjufca announced that in addition to the issue of visas, relations between Kosovo and Israel were also discussed at the meeting. “The parties assessed that this constitutes a very significant step in the development of relations between the two countries, as well as it is a very good opportunity to increase bilateral exchanges, where the citizens of our two countries will be the ones who will benefit the most”, Konjufca said.
Comment: Kosovo and Israel formalized diplomatic relations in February 2021. Kosovo became the first European country to establish an embassy in Jerusalem, following the US and Guatemala, and in exchange Israel recognized its independence.
From the establishment of diplomatic relations, Kosovo also marked an increase in commercial exchanges. In 2022, the value of imports from Israel reached 42 million euros compared to 22 million euros in 2020 when the two countries did not have diplomatic relations.
This positive developments for Kosovo come after comes alongside other travel facilitations for Kosovars, including the ability to enjoy since January 1, 2024, visa-free stays of up to 90 days within six months in any of Schengen-area member states in Europe.
