Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MVP) announced on Monday that withdrawing Kosovar passports does not mean at the same time recognizing Kosovo’s independence.
The people of Kosovo have welcomed Spain’s decision to recognize the Kosovo passport following the liberalization of the country’s visa system, which will allow citizens to move freely from January 1, as a step towards state recognition. Became.
“This in no way means recognition of Kosovo. Without this change, holders of these passports would have problems when visiting countries that do not recognize Kosovo,” said the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. said in a statement, adding that Spain will continue to support the dialogue process between Serbia and Kosovo under its auspices. of the European Union.
The visa-free regime, which came into force on January 1, allows Kosovars to travel visa-free to Schengen area countries for 90 days out of 180.
More than 83,000 passengers passed through Pristina’s Adem Jashari airport in just one week, airport spokeswoman Valentina Gala said on Monday, Reporteri.net reported.
In Pristina, the decision to liberalize the visa system is seen as another step towards full recognition of the state and its ambitions to join the European Union, announced in 2008. However, Kosovo is not yet recognized by five European Union member states: Cyprus, Greece, Romania, Spain and Slovakia.
Kosovo declared independence in 2008.