After recognition from Syria, what else can Kosovo expect from the Middle East?
According to experts, Syria’s decision to recognise Kosovo is a diplomatic bell signaling that global geo-strategic relations are changing in favor of Prishtina: Lebanon and Iraq may now follow suit
shutterstock_2557499085
Syria and Kosovo flags © hapelinium/Shutterstock
After Kosovo received state recognition from Siria a few days ago, more states from the Middle East region may follow suit in the foreseeable future.
According to experts, Kosovo’s diplomatic successes in the region are related to geopolitical developments including the fall of the Bashar al-Asad regime in Syria and the weakening of Hezbollah in Lebanon.
“Syria’s move was also a kind of ‘diplomatic bell,’ signaling that global geo-strategic relations are changing. Syria had not recognized Kosovo during the Assad dynasty, not because it had anything against Kosovo, but because Syria had been a blind satellite of Moscow, starting from the time of Hafez al-Assad and continuing under his son,” said for OBCT Nehat Islami, former correspondent from Kosovo in Lebanon.
Islami is optimistic that many Arab countries will recognize Kosovo in the foreseeable future, considering the new situation in the region but also the help of Kosovo’s allies such as the United States, Turkey, the EU and Saudi Arabia.
“It would be normal for Lebanon to recognize Kosovo. Beirut has not recognized Kosovo, because during the Assad era it was politically dependent on Syria. Lebanon was effectively occupied by the Syrian Army and Syrian intelligence services from 1976 until 1990, but even after the withdrawal of the Syrian army, Syria’s political influence in Lebanon remained strong,” Islami continued.
In Kosovo, it appears that President Vjosa Osmani is leading efforts to intensify diplomatic engagement in the region, even though Kosovo is still without new institutions after the parliamentary elections held earlier this year.
On the day Syria recognized Kosovo, Osmani was in Ryiad, attending the Future Investment Initiative led by Saudi Arabia crown prince and prime minister Mohammed Bin Salman. In a video selfie posted later on her Facebook account, she said that there will be more news for Kosovo.
“There will be good news in the coming months. We will work tirelessly to strengthen Kosovo in the international arena, so that it secures the place it deserves among the free nations,” Osmani said.
According to Butrint Berisha, scholar of international relations, Kosovo’s image in the Middle East has improved, making serious steps toward completing its recognition.
“In Iran, no substantial moves can be expected as long as the current regime remains in power. But by capitalizing on Syria’s recognition, Kosovo is expected to expand its lobbying efforts in Lebanon and Iraq,” said Berisha for OBCT.
While Kosovo institutions have been reluctant to share more details about the next diplomatic moves, a statement by the Syrian Arab Republic ministry of foreign affairs reads that Damascus is looking to establish diplomatic relationship with Kosovo as soon as possible.
In 2025, Kosovo has been recognized by Kenia, Sudan and Syria.
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After recognition from Syria, what else can Kosovo expect from the Middle East?
According to experts, Syria’s decision to recognise Kosovo is a diplomatic bell signaling that global geo-strategic relations are changing in favor of Prishtina: Lebanon and Iraq may now follow suit
shutterstock_2557499085
Syria and Kosovo flags © hapelinium/Shutterstock
After Kosovo received state recognition from Siria a few days ago, more states from the Middle East region may follow suit in the foreseeable future.
According to experts, Kosovo’s diplomatic successes in the region are related to geopolitical developments including the fall of the Bashar al-Asad regime in Syria and the weakening of Hezbollah in Lebanon.
“Syria’s move was also a kind of ‘diplomatic bell,’ signaling that global geo-strategic relations are changing. Syria had not recognized Kosovo during the Assad dynasty, not because it had anything against Kosovo, but because Syria had been a blind satellite of Moscow, starting from the time of Hafez al-Assad and continuing under his son,” said for OBCT Nehat Islami, former correspondent from Kosovo in Lebanon.
Islami is optimistic that many Arab countries will recognize Kosovo in the foreseeable future, considering the new situation in the region but also the help of Kosovo’s allies such as the United States, Turkey, the EU and Saudi Arabia.
“It would be normal for Lebanon to recognize Kosovo. Beirut has not recognized Kosovo, because during the Assad era it was politically dependent on Syria. Lebanon was effectively occupied by the Syrian Army and Syrian intelligence services from 1976 until 1990, but even after the withdrawal of the Syrian army, Syria’s political influence in Lebanon remained strong,” Islami continued.
In Kosovo, it appears that President Vjosa Osmani is leading efforts to intensify diplomatic engagement in the region, even though Kosovo is still without new institutions after the parliamentary elections held earlier this year.
On the day Syria recognized Kosovo, Osmani was in Ryiad, attending the Future Investment Initiative led by Saudi Arabia crown prince and prime minister Mohammed Bin Salman. In a video selfie posted later on her Facebook account, she said that there will be more news for Kosovo.
“There will be good news in the coming months. We will work tirelessly to strengthen Kosovo in the international arena, so that it secures the place it deserves among the free nations,” Osmani said.
According to Butrint Berisha, scholar of international relations, Kosovo’s image in the Middle East has improved, making serious steps toward completing its recognition.
“In Iran, no substantial moves can be expected as long as the current regime remains in power. But by capitalizing on Syria’s recognition, Kosovo is expected to expand its lobbying efforts in Lebanon and Iraq,” said Berisha for OBCT.
While Kosovo institutions have been reluctant to share more details about the next diplomatic moves, a statement by the Syrian Arab Republic ministry of foreign affairs reads that Damascus is looking to establish diplomatic relationship with Kosovo as soon as possible.
In 2025, Kosovo has been recognized by Kenia, Sudan and Syria.
