The leaders of Turkey and Israel have urged Kosovo’s Prime Minister-in-waiting Albin Kurti in opposite directions regarding the opening of the country’s embassy in Jerusalem.
In congratulatory letters published by Kosovo media Express, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urges Kurti to reconsider the decision of the previous government to open an embassy in Jerusalem, while Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu invites him for its inauguration.
“I was also pleased to learn your party’s stance that, when it comes to power, it plans to review Kosovo’s commitment to open its embassy in Jerusalem. I think it would be beneficial to avoid such a step that could cause great harm to Kosovo,” Erdogan wrote to Kurti on February 15, according to Express.
“I attach much importance to Kosovo’s decision to open its embassy in Jerusalem and I look forward to hosting you in Israel for its inauguration,” Netanyahu wrote.
Kosovo’s government pledged with the United States in September 2020 to open its embassy in Jerusalem.
On February 1, the two countries established diplomatic ties, and Kosovo’s government renewed its pledge on its embassy.
The European Union has urged Kosovo not to open an embassy in Jerusalem.
Former Foreign Minister of the previous Kurti government has stated that once in power they will not change the decision unless Kosovo’s EU path was conditioned by it.
