Turkey welcomes new Kosovo government

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

Newly elected Kosovo Prime Minister Isa Mustafa addresses lawmakers on December 9, 2014 in Pristina. AFP Photo

Turkey has welcomed Kosovo’s newly formed government, which came after the country’s two largest parties agreed to form a coalition, a statement from Turkey’s Foreign Ministry has said.

Isa Mustafa, the leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo Party, was sworn in as Kosovo’s new prime minister on Dec. 9. Hashim Thaci, Kosovo’s prime minister since 2008 and the leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo, will serve as deputy prime minister and foreign minister.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry said it hopes the new government will launch projects that will bring about prosperity for the Kosovan people.

“We also wish for the government to integrate with the country’s European institutions … Turkey believes Kosovo’s multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and democratic structure is vital to maintaining regional peace and stability,” the statement added.

Turkey also welcomes the participation of representatives of Turkish descent in Kosovo’s new government, it said.

Mahir Yağcılar, a politician of Turkish descent from the Turkish Democratic Party of Kosovo, will serve as the minister of public administration in the new Cabinet.

The positions are among a range of appointments that received a vote of confidence from the Assembly of Kosovo. A total of 73 deputies voted in favor of the new cabinet, 38 were against and 20 abstained.

Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia in 2008 and has since been recognized by 108 states, including the U.S., the U.K., Germany, France and Turkey.

Serbia, China and Russia are among the countries that do not recognize Kosovo’s independence.