Israel has removed visas for citizens of Kosovo, thus becoming the 50th country that allows free movement for Kosovars.
The signing of the agreement between the two states took place today, June 18, in Pristina, by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of Kosovo, Donika Gërvalla, and the Minister of the Interior of Israel, Moshe Arbel.
Earlier in the day, Arbel was received in a meeting by the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti.
The two countries formalized diplomatic relations in February 2021.
They were preceded by what is known as the Washington Agreement, which Kosovo and Serbia signed on September 4, 2020, in order to normalize economic relations.
also
Kosovo and Israel sign an agreement on visa waiver from September 19
Kosovo opened its embassy in Jerusalem in July 2021, in exchange for recognition of its independence from Israel.
Israel is the last country to recognize Kosovo's independence.
From the establishment of diplomatic relations, Kosovo also marked an increase in commercial exchanges.
In 2022, the value of imports from this country reached 42 million euros - from 22 million in 2020 when the two countries did not have diplomatic relations.
The same happened with exports, from 85.000 euros in 2020 - they increased to 783.000 euros in 2022, according to Kosovo Customs Data.
also
From May 5, Kosovo citizens can travel visa-free to Israel
Kosovo imports mainly fuel and plastic products from Israel, while it mainly exports textile products.
The announcement that Israel has agreed to remove visas for Kosovars was made at the beginning of this year by the president of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani./REL
