Kosovo–Sweden relations are foreign relations between the Republic of Kosovo and the Kingdom of Sweden. Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia on 17 February 2008 and Sweden recognised it on 4 March 2008.[1] Kosovo opened an embassy in Stockholm on 15 December 2009.[2] The Swedish Liaison Office in Pristina, which was later upgraded to embassy status, represents Sweden's interests in the Republic of Kosovo.[3] On 8 March 2008, the Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt became the first foreign minister to officially visit Kosovo since it declared its independence.[4] The two countries enjoy very good and friendly relations.
Kosovo |
Sweden |
---|---|
Diplomatic mission | |
Embassy of Kosovo, Stockholm | Embassy of Sweden, Pristina |
Envoy | |
Ambassador Shkendije Geci-Sherifi | Ambassador Karin Hernmarck Ahliny |
Kosovo’s bilateral relationship with Sweden is new and evolving, with the Kosovo Albanian diaspora in Sweden acting as a bridge between the two countries. Sweden has a record of condemning Serbia for its actions in former Yugoslavia and supported NATO’s campaign to stop the ethnic cleansing in Kosovo. After the war, Sweden became one of the biggest humanitarian aid donors in Kosovo, supporting various projects within state institutions and civil society.[5]
Military
editSweden currently has 243 troops serving in Kosovo as peacekeepers in the NATO led Kosovo Force.[6]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Sweden recognises the Republic of Kosovo" (Press release). Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs. 2008-03-04. Archived from the original on 2008-03-05. Retrieved 2008-03-04.
- ^ "Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo in Stockholm". Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2012-01-07.
- ^ Liaison Office of Sweden in Pristina, Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
- ^ Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt to visit Kosovo and Macedonia, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, 6 March 2008.
- ^ Bekaj, Armend (2023-02-22), "Kosovo and Sweden", Kosovo’s Foreign Policy and Bilateral Relations, London: Routledge, pp. 211–225, ISBN 978-1-003-37158-8, retrieved 2023-07-21
- ^ "Kosovo Force (KFOR)" www.nato.int Link accessed 21-07-09.