Kurti replies letters from Netanyahu, Erdogan – no mentioning of the embassy in Jerusalem

English

Gazeta Express

03/03/2021 10:21

The Vetevendosje leader, Albin Kurti, has replied letters he received last week from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan congratulating him on winning 14 February Kosovo election. In his letter Kurti has not mentioned opening of the Embassy in Jerusalem and accepted the invitation of Netanyahu to visit Israel.

Israel and Kosovo formally established diplomatic relations on 1 February with Kosovo recognizing Jerusalem as the Jewish state’s capital. But the move was criticised by Turkey and the European Union. On Monday, Kurti hosted Turkish Ambassador to Pristina and said that his future Government will reconsider the decision on opening the embassy in Jerusalem following checking of the documentation of the outgoing government.

In a letter that Netanyahu sent to Kurti published by the Vetevendosje party last week, the Israeli Prime Minister invited Kurti to visit Israel and inaugurate the Embassy in Jerusalem. “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 concluded in his letter.

The Vetevendosje also published a letter of the Turkish President Erdogan who warned Kosovo that the move could damage future relations with his country. “I believe that it would be beneficial to avoid such a move that would cause great damage to Kosovo,” Erdogan said.

Kurti in his reply to Netanyahu’s letter said that he accepts the invitation to visit Israel at a convenient time for both parties.  Kurti said that Albanians have historically been respectful to the Jewish community. “As future Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, I will be glad to address the relevant issues of the Jewish community and its heritage in our country,” Kurti said.

“As our countries are establishing diplomatic relations, I look forward to broaden and deepen our cooperation in the future. Thank you for inviting me to visit you friendly country, which I will do at a convenient time for both parties,” Kurti said.

The prime minister designate Kurti sent a letter also to Turkish president Erdogan thanking him for the congratulation letter of the 15 February 2021. He said that Kosovo is thankful for the support of the Turkish state and society during the most decisive times for the country. “Albanians in Turkey and Turks in Kosovo are a bridge of friendship between our two countries. We appreciate the role of the Turks in Kosovo and they will continue to play an important role in my government as well,” Kurti said and pledged broadening and deepening cooperation with Turkey. /GazetaExpress/