Kosovo has been recognized by Jamaica, President Hashim Thaçi announced today.
Thaçi said this was the result of years of lobbying, and he expressed his gratitude to U.S. Representative Eliot Engel in particular, who seats as Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Great news! I just got notified from our Ambassador @vloracitaku that #Jamaica has recognized Republic of #Kosovo as sovereign and independent. I know this is a result of hard work & lobbying of several years, incl @RepEliotEngel. Good work. Thank you dear friends from Kingston! pic.twitter.com/17KPSXdrvL
— Hashim Thaçi (@HashimThaciRKS) February 20, 2020
Speaker of Parliament Vjosa Osmani also thanked Jamaican authorities, as well as Engel.
Thank you Prime Minister of #Jamaica @AndrewHolnessJM and Speaker @Pearnelmp for recognizing #Kosovo. Without any doubt, the right and just decision made by you. May God Bless our two countries. 🇽🇰🇯🇲 @RepEliotEngel pic.twitter.com/hg7qwSPiYs
— Vjosa Osmani (@VjosaOsmaniMP) February 20, 2020
Prime Minister Albin Kurti also went on Twitter to thank Jamaica:
A very good news today. #Jamaica, an important country of the Caribbean and an important part of the Commonwealth of Nations recognized officially the Republic of #Kosova.
A good start of the 2020 for Kosova’s diplomacy and the new government.
— Albin Kurti (@albinkurti) February 20, 2020
I want to thank the people and government of #Jamaica, as well as the PM, Andrew Holness. Looking forward to cooperate and show #Kosova’s gratitude in every future possibility.
— Albin Kurti (@albinkurti) February 20, 2020
Minister of Foreign Affairs Glauk Konjufca has also thanked Jamaica in a press release on the institution’s website.
Kosovo is recognized by over 100 countries. However, since 2018 in particular, Serbia has intensified its lobbying, allegedly including bribes, to have countries withdraw recognition of Kosovo and block its membership in international organizations.
