Albania and Serbia have reached an agreement in principle to open consulates in Bujanoc and Shkodra, a development that was made public last week.
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Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha announced that the Albanian side had requested the establishment of a Consulate General in the Preševo Valley, while Serbia had submitted a request for a Consulate General in Shkodra.
In a Facebook post, Hoxha clarified that Albania intends to open the Consulate General of the Republic of Albania in the Preševo Valley, while Serbia’s request concerns Shkodra. According to him, the relevant steps will be taken in due course, only if and when both sides reach agreement on all aspects and details of the process.
The prospect of opening a Serbian Consulate in Shkodra has prompted considerable discussion and reaction among the Albanian public because of the city’s historical significance and the sensitive political situation in the region.
Commentator Nehat Hyseni, speaking to “Bota sot,” said this development should not be treated merely as a formal procedure in diplomatic relations between the two countries. According to him, the issue should also be examined through the lens of history, collective memory and current political developments.
Hyseni noted that Shkodra, as the location selected for this diplomatic mission, carries particular symbolism.
He explained that some political developments may initially appear to be routine diplomatic actions but take on much broader meaning because of where they occur and the symbolism they convey. According to him, the opening of a Serbian Consulate in Shkodra is precisely such a case. Formally, establishing a consulate is part of relations between sovereign states, but diplomacy is not limited to protocols and documents. It is also connected to historical memory, national symbolism, public sensitivities and mutual trust.
Because of this context, the commentator continued, not everyone has viewed the decision as a routine administrative measure.
According to Hyseni, many Albanian citizens, intellectuals and analysts see this development as an act that raises questions of national and political importance. He stressed that Shkodra cannot be treated like any other city, as it represents one of the foundations of Albanian national identity. Its history is closely intertwined with resistance to occupation, the defense of Albanian lands and the development of education, culture, literature and religious life.
In his assessment, this symbolism also directly influences how the public perceives a diplomatic decision.
Shkodra’s historical significance, according to Hyseni, means that every political or diplomatic step connected with the city is assessed beyond its formal aspects. He emphasized that in international relations, symbolism can carry as much weight as legal acts. For this reason, the selection of Shkodra as the location for a Serbian diplomatic mission has generated public reaction and questions.
The commentator also linked perceptions of this development to relations between Kosovo and Serbia.
He said the questions become more significant under current circumstances, as Serbia continues to refuse to recognize Kosovo’s independence and the Belgrade–Pristina dialogue still faces many difficulties. At the same time, Albanians in the Preševo Valley continue to voice concerns about the fulfillment of their institutional, cultural, educational and political rights.
According to Hyseni, these circumstances have led part of the public to interpret the opening of the consulate as an action that also conveys a political message.
He explained that, in such a context, it is not unusual for this step to be viewed as more than a diplomatic development. Hyseni added that this is not necessarily the only possible interpretation, but it helps explain why the decision has sparked debate and why many citizens are seeking fuller explanations from the institutions.
Turning to the diplomatic aspect, Hyseni acknowledged that a consulate can also perform specific, practical functions.
According to him, opening such an institution could be viewed as an effort to strengthen institutional communication and facilitate bilateral relations. Consulates usually deal with matters such as visas, assistance for citizens, and economic and cultural cooperation. However, he stressed that in a region with a complex past like the Balkans, such decisions also carry geopolitical dimensions.
Hyseni also criticized Albanian institutions for failing to communicate more broadly with the public.
He said one of the main topics of debate has been how Albania’s institutions have handled the issue. According to him, criticism has focused on the lack of public transparency and broader national coordination. The public has questioned whether decisions of this kind should be discussed more comprehensively at the institutional level—not only by the government, but also with the involvement of other social, diplomatic and political stakeholders.
In conclusion, the commentator said the discussion surrounding the Serbian Consulate in Shkodra should be placed within the broader debate over Albanian foreign policy and not be limited solely to the diplomatic aspect.
Speaking to “Bota sot,” Hyseni concluded that the debate shows foreign policy is not made up solely of agreements and protocols. It is intertwined with national identity, historical memory, public perception and citizens’ trust in institutions. According to him, only transparency, well-reasoned arguments and respect for historical sensitivities can create a foreign policy that enjoys citizens’ trust and serves the long-term interests of Albania, Kosovo and regional stability.
