After UAE, Serbia & Kosovo decide to normalize ties with Israel

After the UAE, Kosovo and Serbia have also agreed to normalize ties with Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Kosovo, along with Serbia, will establish embassies in Jerusalem.

Netanyahu said, “Kosovo will be the first country with a Muslim majority to open an embassy in Jerusalem,” “As I’ve said in recent days – the circle of peace and recognition of Israel is expanding and more countries are expected to join.”

Netanyahu’s statement came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump made the parallel announcement in Washington. He negotiated with the leaders of Serbia and Kosovo in Washington as they agreed to normalize economic relations between them.

Another great day for peace with Middle East – Muslim-majority Kosovo and Israel have agreed to normalize ties and establish diplomatic relations. Well-done! More Islamic and Arab nations will follow soon!

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— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 4, 2020

Before this, only the United States and Guatemala have opened their embassies in Jerusalem. Palestinians have not accepted such moves.

An agreement hailed by Trump has been signed between Kosovo and Serbia. They both agreed to establish highway and railway links.

However, both countries agreed to freeze campaigns designed for and against normalizing political ties for a year.

Serbian President Aleksander Vucic said to the reporters that there were still many differences between Serbia and its former province.

However, he also hoped that the new agreement marked a huge step forward.

He said to media that Serbia’s agreement was with the United States, not Kosovo.

On the other hand, Kosovo Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti also welcomed the move and said it will cause mutual recognition between the two countries.

“Serbia and Kosovo have each committed to economic normalization,” Trump said. “By focusing on job creation and economic growth, the two countries were able to reach a major breakthrough.”