Armenia announced that it officially recognized passports issued in Kosovo, including diplomatic ones, but maintained that Yerevan continues to not recognize that country’s independence.
“This is a significant step toward strengthening ties and relations between the citizens and institutions of both countries,” said Kosovo’s deputy foreign minister in a post on X.
Armenia’s foreign ministry spokesperson Ani Badalyan confirmed Yerevan’s decision to recognize passports issued by Kosovo and reaffirmed that Armenia does not recognize the country’s independence.
“Armenia and Kosovo have agreed to mutually provide for the possibility of applying for an entry visa with passports issued by each other,” Badalyan said, telling Armenia’s Channel One that “the goal is to ensure the fundamental principle of free movement of people.”
“As for the nature of bilateral cooperation, as you know, the existing dialogue between Armenia and Kosovo is maintained on different platforms and levels. Steps are taken to invigorate tourism, relations and people-to-people contacts, which does not mean recognition that in this regard the Republic of Armenia is not an exception at all. Many countries of the world, including a number of EU member states, recognize Kosovo’s passports and have sectoral cooperation with Kosovo without recognition,” added Badalyan.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 and garnered recognition from more than 100 countries, including the United States, Great Britain and several European Union member states. Russia, China and Serbia have not recognized Kosovo’s independence.
