In a significant move aimed at strengthening ties and fostering greater international cooperation, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has signed an agreement with Kosovo that allows passport holders from the Balkan nation to enter the UAE without the need for a visa. The announcement was made by Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, who expressed her gratitude to His Highness Mohamed Bin Zayed, the President of the UAE, for accepting the proposal to waive visas for citizens of Kosovo.
The agreement, which was finalized following a meeting between President Osmani and His Highness Mohamed Bin Zayed last month, marks a significant step in facilitating travel between the two nations. While the specific date for the implementation of the agreement has not been disclosed, the Kosovo embassy in the UAE has confirmed that Kosovo citizens will soon be able to visit the UAE for short-term tourist stays without the hassle of obtaining a visa.
This development comes on the heels of another milestone for Kosovo, as the European Union recently granted visa-free access to the Schengen zone for Kosovo nationals, effective from January 1. Prior to this decision, Kosovo was the only country in the Western Balkans whose citizens still required visas to travel to the EU. The EU’s decision to lift visa requirements for Kosovo reflects the progress made by the country in its efforts to strengthen ties with European nations and pursue closer integration with the EU.
In addition to the UAE, Kosovo’s Foreign Minister, Donike Gervalla-Schwarz, recently announced that Spain has also recognized Kosovo passports, allowing citizens to travel to Spain without the need for a visa. This move by Spain, although not accompanied by formal recognition of Kosovo as a sovereign state, represents a significant step forward for Kosovo’s international recognition and its aspirations for greater integration into the global community.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 and has since been working towards gaining recognition as an independent state. While the majority of EU member states recognize Kosovo’s independence, there are still some, including Spain, Cyprus, Greece, Romania, and Slovakia, that do not formally recognize Kosovo as a sovereign nation. Despite these challenges, Kosovo remains committed to its goal of securing EU membership and further enhancing its international standing.
The recent agreements with the UAE and Spain signal a positive shift in Kosovo’s diplomatic relations and open up new opportunities for its citizens to travel and engage with the global community. As Kosovo continues on its path towards greater recognition and integration, these developments serve as testament to the country’s progress and determination to strengthen its place in the world.
(Source: Arabian Business | SeeNews)
