Prime Cabinet Secretary and acting Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi on Thursday, March 27, met Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Serbia to Kenya Danijela Čubrilo Martić amidst a brewing diplomatic dispute between the two countries.
Through a statement, Mudavadi revealed that Kenya rated highly its partnership with Serbia and was devoted to deepening its relationship with the European nation.
“Kenya values its diplomatic partnership with Serbia and remains committed to deepening collaboration for shared prosperity. Hosted H.E. Danijela Čubrilo Martić Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Serbia to Kenya, during her courtesy call at my Railways office,” the PCS stated.
The meeting came just hours after the Serbian government issued a stern warning to Kenya after the move by President William Ruto to recognise Kosovo as an independent state on Wednesday.
According to pictures and statements posted by former Kosovo President Behgjet Pacolli on his Facebook page, President Ruto signed the recognition letter, making Kenya the first country to recognise Kosovo in five years.
In 2008, Kosovo proclaimed its independence from Serbia. However, it has yet to gain membership in the United Nations, largely because of resistance from Serbia and its supporting allies, such as Russia and China, who hold veto power in the UN.
Consequently, Serbia termed the move by Ruto as “unacceptable and a hostile act,” vowing to take action.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, in its rejoinder, said it “strongly condemned the decision of Kenya to recognise the unilaterally declared independence of the so-called Kosovo."
In its statement, Serbia all but declared an end to diplomatic relations with Kenya. Serbia has said the decision by President Ruto’s government trampled on the UN Charter, which it insists guarantees its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Serbia vowed to take all necessary measures to defend its territorial integrity, clearly stating what repercussions Kenya might face. “The Republic of Serbia will take all necessary diplomatic and political measures in response to this unacceptable and hostile act,” it asserted.
At the same time, Mudavadi stated that the conversation explored fresh pathways to deepen the longstanding Kenya-Serbia partnership, with a focus on boosting trade, unlocking investment opportunities, and expanding cooperation across areas of mutual interest.
While it is unclear why Ruto moved to recognise Kosovo, reports indicate that the Balkan country is seeking trained workers in certain fields such as construction and healthcare, which could be an area the Kenyan government is looking to explore.
