DHAKA:  Bangladesh and Southeastern European country Kosovo have launched formal diplomatic relations between the two countries thorough signing a joint statement recently.

Bangladesh Permanent Representative at United Nations Masud Bin Momen and Kosovo General Consulate in New York Teuta Sahatqija have signed the statement, said a press release issued by the Bangladesh Permanent Mission in NY Saturday (February 17).

Both the countries are committed to play role for ensuring international peace and security through strong friendly ties and cooperation, said the press release.  

Maintaining regional solidarity, reciprocal reverence towards national sovereignty and UN regulations are among the commitments expressed by both the countries.

The Republic of Kosovo declared independence on February 17 in 2008. The democratically elected leaders of the people unanimously declared Kosovo to be independent from Serbia. A number of 114 countries recognized Kosovo as an independent state following declaration of independence. Bangladesh, however, recognized Kosovo in February 2017.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina earlier sat in a bilateral meeting with Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi during the 72nd  session of UN General Assembly in September last year. 

Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam is expected to attend Kosovo’s celebration program marking 10 years of independence on February 17.

BDST: 1030 HRS, FEB 17, 2018
SI