Malaysia Extends Ceremonial Welcome to Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani in Putrajaya

Putrajaya, The Gulf Observer: Kosovo President Dr. Vjosa Osmani Sadriu was accorded an official welcome at the Perdana Putra Complex on Friday (May 2), marking the start of her four-day official visit to Malaysia.

President Osmani arrived at 9:00 a.m. and was received by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The welcoming ceremony included the playing of the national anthems of both countries, followed by an inspection of the guard of honour mounted by three officers and 103 personnel from the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment (Ceremonial), led by Major Muhammad Fikri Senan.

The event was attended by Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, as well as Cabinet ministers, foreign diplomats, and senior government officials.

Following the ceremonial welcome, President Osmani signed the guest book and proceeded to a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Anwar. Discussions focused on strengthening diplomatic, economic, and people-to-people ties between the two nations.

Malaysia was among the earliest Asian countries to officially recognize Kosovo’s independence, doing so on October 30, 2008. Diplomatic relations were formally established on March 18, 2011, and have steadily developed over the years.

In 2024, total bilateral trade between Malaysia and Kosovo reached RM28.55 million (US$6.0 million). Malaysia’s exports to Kosovo amounted to RM25.92 million (US$5.5 million), consisting mainly of palm oil, electrical and electronic products, and manufactured goods. Imports from Kosovo totaled RM2.63 million (US$550,000), primarily comprising raw materials and semi-precious stones.

President Osmani’s visit is expected to further deepen cooperation and foster new avenues for collaboration between Malaysia and Kosovo across various sectors.