Kosovo president meets Anwar to strengthen bilateral ties
PUTRAJAYA: Kosovo's President, Dr Vjosa Osmani Sadriu, has been formally welcomed at the Perdana Putra Complex as she begins a four-day official visit to Malaysia.
Osmani arrived at 9am and was received by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The two leaders are expected to discuss ways to strengthen both economic and political ties between their countries.
Also present to welcome Osmani were both Deputy Prime Ministers, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, as well as Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
Osmani then inspected a guard of honour, comprising three officers and 103 personnel from the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment.
This marks her first visit to the country since assuming office on April 4, 2021.
Meanwhile, the discussions between both leaders are expected to focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation in key sectors, including trade, investment, education, and people-to-people exchanges.
Both leaders will also exchange views on regional and international matters of mutual interest, including Malaysia's Chairmanship of Asean this year.
Malaysia officially recognised Kosovo on Oct 30, 2008, becoming one of the first Asian countries to do so.
Diplomatic relations were formally established on March 18, 2011.
In 2024, total bilateral trade between Malaysia and Kosovo reached RM28.55 million (US$6.0 million), with Malaysia's exports to the republic valued at RM25.92 million (US$5.5 million), and imports at RM2.63 million (US$550,000).
Key Malaysian exports include palm oil, electrical and electronic products, and manufactured goods, while imports from Kosovo mainly consist of raw materials and semi-precious stones.
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