Malaysian, Kosovo leaders discuss Palestine, ties

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Kosovo's President Vjosa Osmani discussed Palestine and relations between their countries on Friday.

Both sides discussed "a number of international issues because we truly believe in the issue of independence, human rights, respect for human dignity and discovers a wide range of areas from Palestine to peace in the many parts of the world," Anwar said at a joint news conference.

Osmani is on a four-day visit for the first time to the Southeast Asian nation.

Kosovo also inaugurated its Kuala Lumpur Embassy which represents "a new gateway" for enhancing relations between Pristina and Malaysia, said Osmani.

"A stronger diplomatic footprint in one of the most strategic regions in Asia, and a home where the interests of our citizens will be promoted, our alliances strengthened, and the sacrifice of the people of Kosovo for freedom and statehood honored and defended," he wrote X.

Osmani and Anwar discussed relations such as trade, investment, education and halal products.

Anwar said Malaysia wants to better utilize "the strength of Kosovo and the strong relations with the EU."

"Kosovo stands ready to partner with Malaysia in tackling shared challenges from cybersecurity to counter-terrorism to disaster response," Osmani said at the news conference.

Malaysia also recently lifted visa requirements up to 30 days for Kosovo nationals.

Diplomatic ties between the two nations were established in 2011, following Malaysia's recognition of Kosovo's independence in 2008.