Tirana, Pristina worry Russia too

With this agreement, according to officials from both countries, the long-term strategic priorities and the co-ordination of political positions in the international arena are defined. At the same time, it is also determined to assume concrete obligations in bilateral representation in the international arena, especially in international organisations.

Jethlir Zyberaj, adviser to Kosovo Foreign Minister Behxhet Pacolli, told Radio Free Europe that this agreement is aimed at fully exploiting the possibilities of co-operation in the field of foreign policy.

“Synim is the establishment and development of joint political, diplomatic and consular action mechanisms to give a boost to bilateral commitment in foreign policy and to strengthen the role of our diplomacy in the International Arena”, Zyberaj said.

Kosovo, Albania unify diplomatic missions, Brnabyq calls news horrible

He said that with the signed agreement the benefits would be two-way.

The fact that Kosovo continues has a powerful option in the Republic of Serbia, supported by Russia and other non-recognitional Kosovo countries, through this agreement we have made concrete steps to help each other advance our position in the International Arena”, Zyberaj said.

According to the pledge expressed by the two governments -- the one in Pristina and the one in Tirana -- diplomaticly initialled the start of technical work for the establishment of “Joint Fund for Management, Building and Development of Embassys, Missions and Consulates” with the aim of creating spaces for joint use by the Republic of Kosovo and the Republic of Albania.

The agreement also envisions the exchange of diplomatic personnel of the Republic of Kosovo and the Republic of Albania to each other, around the globe. With agreements, it is envisioned that at relevant Diplomatic Academys work to create a joint training programme, as well as the view of cultural diplomacy.

Albanian Minister of Task for Europe and Foreign Affairs Gent Cakaj, at a joint media conference with the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Kosovo held on July 2nd, said this agreement opens a completely new chapter of co-operation in the field of foreign policy between the Republic of Kosovo and the Republic of Albania.

“This development marks an increase in our presence diplomacy, advancing our common capacities, and however a greater approach between Kosovo and Albania”, Cakaj has declared.

Former Kosovo Ambassador to Austria and Australia Sabri Kicmari tells Radio Free Europe that such agreements are normal and serve respective states. He said the move is normal and such initiative helps develop more foreign policy.

Of course, international diplomacy is clear that the word is for interstate co-operation between the two countries, certainly preserving clear premises and clear state preparations of the two countries. It's not about Great Albania or little Albania, but it's about co-operation in the field of foreign policy between the two countries that are brotherly countries between them and it's normal international practice and I call it an advanced”, said Kiicmar.

But, towards the initiative for diplomatic and consular unification of Kosovo and Albania, Serbia and Russia have reacted. Both countries, also known as strong opponents of Kosovo's independence, have described the agreement as step towards realising goals for, reportedly “Great Albania”

In a statement by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, such steps in Pristina and Tirana reportedly cause serious concern.

The provocative steps of Tirana and Pristina, which are in line with the implementation of the concept of Greater Albania, present serious concern. We consider that the Kosovo agreement -- Albania for unifying diplomatic missions in third countries, signed on July 2nd of this year -- is in this context”, Moscow's reaction is highlighted.

“We caution that the provocative actions of Pristina and Tirana are not random. For several years, statements about integration have been heard from there. This line of leadership in Albania and Kosovo conflicts with UN Security Council Resolution 12 44, undermines dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina with EU mediation and threatens stability in the Balkans”, points out the Russian response.

“We would like to stress that the United States and the European Union prefer not to react to such destructive movements, indeed encouraging the opinion of Greater Albania that is harmful to the region”, the official Moscow statement said.

Kosovo's professional diplomacy in the face of strengthening international subjectivity

Serbia's Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic has also named the agreement for co-operation in Pristina and Tirana foreign policy as efforts to create a “Albania Great” The Serbian top diplomat has asked what would happen if Serbia signed a similar agreement with Republika Srpska. According to him, Serbia and Republika Srpska can act the same as Pristina and Tirana, when it comes to foreign policy.

Given these reactions, Kosovo Foreign Affairs Minister Behxhet Pacolli has said “Serbia or anyone else should not be concerned when two neighbouring countries have strong and close co-operation, but when another neighbour unites his foreign policy with other acts of third parties, which have no place in our region. Then this is a concern for our regional stability, not for co-operation”, Pacolli wrote on Twitter.

Otherwise, the initiative to unify missions, or certain diplomatic and consular missions between Kosovo and Albania dates back to Kosovo's declaration of independence.