Kosovo shares Taiwan’s commitment to the values of freedom, democracy, international peace and human rights.
After undergoing crimes of genocide committed by former Serbian president Slobodan Milosevic’s regime, Kosovo achieved independence with NATO support. Its path to sovereignty and recognition had two main objectives: Building a resilient and democratic society, and strengthening the bonds of friendship with like-minded countries.
Sixteen years after its declaration of independence, Kosovo is a rapidly growing country whose level of democracy and rule of law have experienced substantial expansion during that time.
According to the 2022 Global State of Democracy Index, it almost equals North Macedonia and Albania in terms of “democratic performance.” Pristina has improved its performance related to the indicators of “Representation,” “Rights,” “Rule of Law” and “Participation.”
Although there is still some work to do, Kosovo’s path to a fully functioning democracy is on very solid ground. The example of countries such as Taiwan could prove beneficial to Kosovo.
During his visit to Taiwan this year, former Kosovar prime minister Avdullah Hoti said that Kosovo wants to “discuss and share experiences on parliamentary transparency and accountability” with Taipei to “strengthen democracy and citizen participation.”
Whereas Kosovo enjoys the recognition of key Western partners such as the US and the UK, but cannot leverage “soft power” to enhance its international standing, Taiwan is experiencing the opposite problem.
Taipei is one of the most important countries, because it produces more than 60 percent of the world’s semiconductors and up to 90 percent of the advanced semiconductors.
Kosovo is at the beginning of a process aimed at turning its IT potential into a national asset. Taiwan’s example demonstrates the interconnection between technological transformation and economic and social development.
Kosovo’s close relationship with the West affects its diplomatic and economic interests as well as its security and defense.
Under Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti, the government has accelerated its integration with the West by becoming an associate member in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. The main purpose is to create a security environment that discourages a potential Serbian war of aggression.
There is a window of opportunity for an effective partnership with Taiwan’s government-backed drone industry, given the common interests between the parties.
Kosovo is looking to bolster its military strength by expanding and upgrading its arsenal. Taiwan is seizing new opportunities to forge international links and build a domestic drone supply chain.
Kosovo’s understanding of Taiwan’s importance and standing at the global level is further demonstrated by Kurti’s statements at last year’s Peace Summit hosted by the Universal Peace Federation.
“The Republic of Kosovo supports peaceful developments in the Indo-Pacific,” he said. “Stability in the Taiwan Strait and freedom of navigation through the South China Sea are very important for territorial integrity, peace and security in the region.”
Kurti then referred to Taiwan as a country by asserting that “we are very interested in working with countries like Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan in the digital field,” adding that “we greatly admire the achievements and the potential they have in this area.”
Kurti previously emphasised the need to set up a “mini-Marshall” plan for the Balkans.
By pointing out that “whenever there is a vacuum between the EU and the US, Russia and China try to enter the game,” he demonstrated a better understanding of China’s imperialistic agenda than many EU leaders.
Kosovo is willing to engage with Taiwan regardless of the political party in power. The two countries should take advantage of the potential benefits that would result from expanding their partnership.
It can happen within the framework of “parliamentary diplomacy,” as in the case of Czech Republic-Taiwan or Lithuania-Taiwan relations.
They can boost their relationship in defense and security to contribute to a more stable and democratic world. The key is to put this potential into action for the benefit of Kosovo, Taiwan and all like-minded countries..
Michele Maresca is an analyst at the online international law journal Il Caffe Geopolitico and the thinktank Geopol 21.
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