Taiwan president-elect meets bipartisan delegation from Kosovo | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

Taiwan’s president-elect Lai Ching-te has met with a bipartisan delegation from Kosovo. They agreed to further strengthen cooperation between Taiwan and Kosovo.

The group of parliament members led by former prime minister Avdullah Hoti is visiting Taiwan from Tuesday.
The members met with Lai on Friday at the presidential office in Taipei.

Lai said both Taiwan and Kosovo are on the front line of protecting freedom. He said he will take office on May 20, and strongly hopes to continue to deepen cooperation with Kosovo.

Hoti said, “We do face similar challenges internationally as sovereign independent countries.” He added, “I do hope that we can exchange our experience and support each other together with our allies.”

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but Serbia does not recognize this. China is among countries that do not recognize Kosovo as a state, while Taiwan does recognize its statehood.

Taiwan and Kosovo have been enhancing their ties as they both face obstacles in the international diplomatic community. Neither one is a member of the United Nations.

A group of parliament members led by Hoti also visited Taiwan last year.

Meanwhile, China maintains close relations with Serbia. It is reported that there is a plan for Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit Serbia in the near future.