Serbia strongly condemned Kenya’s decision to recognise the independence of Kosovo.
Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the action constitutes a blatant violation of international law and directly breaches United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244.
The resolution unequivocally guarantees the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Serbia.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia strongly condemns the decision of the Republic of Kenya to recognize the unilaterally declared independence of the so-called ‘Kosovo,'” the statement said.
Serbia added the decision comes in the very year marking the 80th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Charter, which the Kenyan authorities have “disregarded with this move.”
“This decision also undermines efforts to foster constructive dialogue, regional stability, and respect for the international legal order,” the ministry added.
The recognition, confirmed on Wednesday, makes Kenya the first country to acknowledge Kosovo’s sovereignty in nearly five years, reigniting tensions surrounding the region’s disputed status.
The government further dismissed any reference to the 2010 advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as a justification for Kenya’s move, saying such an argument is unfounded.
Serbia expressed disappointment over how this recognition could affect diplomatic ties with Kenya.
The ministry described the decision as a “troubling precedent” that could strain the historically strong relations between the two nations, which have been built over decades of cooperation within the Non-Aligned Movement.
Warning of diplomatic repercussions, Serbia stated that it would take necessary political and diplomatic measures in response to Kenya’s decision, though it did not specify what those actions would entail.
The country also pointed out that in recent years, multiple nations have reversed their recognition of Kosovo, highlighting that “over the past eight years, 28 countries have withdrawn or suspended their recognition of Kosovo’s unilaterally declared independence, while only two new states have granted recognition.”
Despite Serbia’s objections, Kenya’s move was welcomed by Kosovo’s allies. Albanian President Bajram Begaj publicly acknowledged Kenya’s recognition of Kosovo following a meeting between Kosovo’s Special Envoy Behgjet Pacolli and Kenyan President William Ruto in Nairobi.
“Pleased that Kenya has recognised the state of Kosovo today. I extend my gratitude to my friend (President) William Ruto for this decision, warmly welcomed by all Albanians,” Begaj wrote on X.
Kenya’s state department of foreign affairs too posted a message on the same.
“Kenya has recognised Kosovo as a State.
Kosovo’s declaration of independence on 17th February, 2008, received the endorsement of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) @CIJ_ICJ in 2010.
Kenya has recognised Kosovo in the interest of international peace and security, territorial integrity and in furtherance of strengthening relations with countries in the Balkans.”
Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008, continues to face opposition from Serbia and its key allies, including Russia and China, which have blocked its UN membership.
While more than 110 countries, including the United States and most of Europe, have recognized Kosovo as an independent state, efforts to secure further recognition have slowed in recent years.
Kenya’s recognition adds a new dimension to the ongoing international debate over Kosovo’s status, setting the stage for potential shifts in diplomatic relations.
With Serbia vowing to defend its sovereignty through all available legal and diplomatic channels, the fallout from Kenya’s decision could extend beyond the two nations, influencing broader geopolitical discussions on statehood and recognition.
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