The opening of consular offices in Bujanoc and Shkodër is part of an agreement in principle reached between Albania and Serbia to expand their diplomatic presence in both countries. The announcement was made by Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Gjuriç, immediately prompting reactions among the public and within Albanian politics.

During an interview with Radio Belgrade, Gjuriç said that this understanding had been reached in meetings with Albania’s new foreign minister, Ferit Hoxha. He expressed satisfaction with the talks and said the parties had agreed in principle to establish consular offices in Shkodër and Bujanoc, while Tirana had yet to make any official announcement.

Albania’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs offered a more cautious account, explaining that discussions were continuing and that a final agreement had not yet been reached. Ferit Hoxha stressed that the process was being conducted on the basis of reciprocity and recalled that Albania had been the first party to request the opening of a consulate general in the Presheva Valley.

In his response, Hoxha described reciprocity as a fundamental principle of interstate relations and a foreign policy instrument for advancing national interests. According to him, this principle does not necessarily mean that the parties must have the same substance, objectives or interests.

The Albanian minister added that the necessary institutional procedures would begin as soon as a final understanding was reached. He also said that Albania’s consular presence in the Presheva Valley was overdue.

Albanian analyst Refik Hasani from Presheva considers the initiative to open a Serbian consulate in Shkodër harmful. According to him, such a mission is unnecessary, particularly given Serbia’s historical role and ambitions to occupy Shkodër.

Speaking to “Bota sot,” Hasani said that Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Gjuriq’s statement about the possibility of establishing a consulate in Shkodër was linked to well-known objectives, ulterior motives, predispositions and tendencies. He argued that there is no Serbian minority whatsoever in Shkodër or anywhere else in Albania, not even enough people to staff such a consulate.

Hasani recalled that the establishment of a consular mission is usually justified by the presence of a significant number of citizens of the sending country. According to him, there is also no consular need in Shkodër because Serbia already has an embassy in Tirana. He said Belgrade continues to pursue other political and diplomatic objectives, as well as other aims.

Hasani takes a different view of the possible opening of an Albanian Consulate General in Bujanoc and the impact it could have on Albanians in Presheva, Bujanoc and Medvegjë. He describes the move as long overdue but insists that the mission must not remain merely symbolic and should be built on a strategic approach, given its extraordinary importance.

According to the analyst, the plan should be implemented as quickly as possible and should not be presented as the conclusion of a process, but as the beginning of a new strategy. He stressed that a diplomatic presence alone is insufficient unless it is accompanied by coordinated, clear and long-term policies to advance and protect the rights of Albanians in Serbia.

Hasani said the consulate would provide assistance in addressing the many challenges related to survival and the preservation of the Albanian population, as well as safeguarding the sacrifice and contribution of the armed struggle in the face of future challenges. According to him, the issue should be internationalized at the highest level.

He said the Albanian motherland has a moral, national and constitutional obligation to formulate a clear, fair, objective and institutional position. According to Hasani, this position of the Republic of Albania should encompass the referendum of March 1-2, 1992; the armed uprising of the UÇPMB, which defended the graves of their ancestors, their homes, dignity and the identity of the region; and the Konçul Agreement.

Hasani also expects support and action from the Albanian motherland to establish a liaison office in Tirana, which he considers more than necessary. He also called on Tirana to advocate and lobby before the highest-level EU and UN mechanisms and bodies.

According to him, the Albanian motherland can best protect the Albanian spirit in this particular region, which is inhabited by an indigenous ethnic group. Hasani also views this engagement as a contribution toward ensuring a safer and brighter future for Albanians everywhere.

The analyst said Kosovo’s relevant institutions could respond in accordance with international law, relying on all acts, conventions and treaties that serve as instruments for regulating such matters.

He added that the political parties represented in Parliament also have the opportunity, through institutional channels, to present facts and evidence against the opening of the consulate in Shkodër so that the issue can be referred to the relevant bodies, including international institutions.

In conclusion, Hasani called on Albania to first proceed with the opening of the Consulate General in Bujanoc. According to him, this process must under no circumstances be made conditional on the establishment of a Serbian consulate in Shkodër.

He based this demand on the region’s population makeup, stressing that more than 95% of Presheva’s residents are ethnic and indigenous Albanians, while in Bujanoc the figure is more than 62%. Only in Medvegjë, according to him, do ethnic and indigenous Albanians account for less than 50% of the population.

Hasani said this is a region that should be treated only in this way, as it constitutes a single, unified whole and an indivisible geographical entity. In contrast, he reiterated that the proposal for a Serbian consulate in Shkodër, where there is no Serbian minority whatsoever, reflects the continued pursuit of other political and diplomatic objectives, as well as other aims.

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Muhamet Kelmendi has sought to learn what specific diplomatic or consular activities the Serbian consulate in Shkodër will carry out.

In comments to “Bota sot,” he opposed the decision to allow the opening of the mission, arguing that its presence is not supported by any clear legal or practical need.

According to Kelmendi, the fact that no sizable Serbian community lives in the Shkodër area raises suspicions that the consulate may serve Serbia’s interests more than Albania’s.

He asked Prime Minister Edi Rama why Tirana gave Serbia approval to open its consulate specifically in Shkodër.

Kelmendi said the reasons for granting this approval have not been disclosed and questioned what justifies choosing Shkodër.

From both a legal and practical standpoint, according to him, there appears to be no need for a Serbian consulate in the city. He argued that there are not enough Serbian citizens in Shkodër County to justify establishing such a consular mission.

Kelmendi again asked why Shkodër had been chosen, stressing that the city is not a hub for direct diplomatic relations with Serbia. Nor, according to him, is there any significant Serbian community there in need of consular services.

For this reason, he said, suspicion naturally arises that the mission may be more useful to the interests of the Serbian state than to those of the Albanian state. From Albania’s perspective, Kelmendi said, there appears to be no tangible benefit.

He also addressed the lack of genuine reciprocity, arguing that Albania would have much stronger grounds for establishing a consulate in Preševo because of the large Albanian community living there.

According to Kelmendi, such an agreement could be understood to some extent in terms of reciprocity if, for example, Albania were to open a consulate in Preševo, where there is a sizable Albanian population.

He stressed that the Albanian state has a direct interest in providing protection and services to around 100,000 Albanians in the Preševo Valley, while the number of Serbian residents in Shkodër is extremely small.

Under these circumstances, according to him, there can be no talk of either genuine equality or reciprocity carrying real diplomatic weight.

Kelmendi said the lack of clarity deepens further when the question is raised as to what the consulate’s actual function will be.

If consular services are supposed to address citizens’ needs, he said, there is no specific demand from Serbian citizens in Shkodër that would justify this mission.

He noted that the movement of people, goods and finances between Albania and Serbia already takes place without the need for a Serbian consulate in Shkodër. Kelmendi also added that citizens of both countries travel without visas.

Concluding his response, Kelmendi called on Prime Minister Edi Rama to explain why the opening of Serbia’s consulate in Shkodër was permitted, as no specific Albanian interest supporting the decision has been presented so far.

He asked what defined diplomatic or consular duties the consulate would perform, adding that there does not appear to be a convincing answer.

According to Kelmendi, it is precisely the lack of such an explanation that fuels suspicion that the move may be connected to other interests beyond the reasons usually cited to justify opening a consulate.

If such interests exist, he warned, Albania must exercise great caution. Diplomatic and consular missions, according to him, should not be used as instruments for purposes other than those for which they were established.

Kelmendi concluded his comments to “Bota sot” by again asking Rama why Albania approved Serbia’s request for a consulate in Shkodër and what specific Albanian interest justifies the decision. He stressed that, so far, no such interest has been made clear.

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Albania and Serbia have reached an agreement in principle to open consulates in Bujanoc and Shkodra, a development that was made public last week.

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.

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Hysamedin Feraj, an expert on political developments, has expressed concern over the initiative to establish a Serbian consulate in the city of Shkodër.

According to his analysis, the diplomatic office’s mission will not focus on the small number of Serbs living there, but will instead target the Albanian population with the aim of spreading what he calls the “Serbianization of thought.”

He also warned that Albania’s consular office in Bujanoc is expected to play a similar role.

“The Serbian consulate is not intended to serve Shkodër’s 54 Serbs, but to work with Albanians to expand the Serbianization of thought in Albania. Neither Miladin nor Dušan focused their activities on Serbs or Montenegrins in Albania, but on Albanians. The same approach is expected to be followed by the Albanian consulate in Bujanoc,” Feraj said.

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Lawyer Spartak Ngjela has spoken out against the initiative to open the Serbian Consulate in Shkodër, which he defined as an anti-national act.

He stated that this request can only be supported by “Belgrade’s agents” and called for a reaction from Albanian institutions and SPAK.

In his full post, Ngjela writes:

“The request to establish the international institution, the Consulate of Serbia, in Shkodër can only be accepted in Albania by agents of Belgrade, but under no circumstances by Albanian law and Parliament.

It is known who the person proposing it is.

So?

It remains to be seen how Albanians and SPAK will act in the face of such an anti-national act.”

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News that Albania and Serbia had reached a preliminary agreement to open consular offices in Shkodër and Bujanoc was made public on Thursday.

The announcement was made by Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Gjurić, who said the agreement was reached during talks with Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha.

In a statement to Radio Belgrade, Gjurić stressed that this development marks progress in strengthening bilateral ties.

He expressed satisfaction with the constructive discussions with his new Albanian counterpart, adding that the parties had agreed in principle to establish consulates in both countries.

Meanwhile, the Albanian side has yet to officially confirm the agreement. MP Marjana Koçeku reacted sharply, calling the decision to open a Serbian consulate in Shkodër unusual and questioning whose interests the move serves. She called on Minister Hoxha to provide a prompt explanation if the news is confirmed.

Koçeku also stressed that Belgrade cannot be viewed as a close political ally as long as it continues to maintain positions and pursue policies that conflict with the interests of Albanians and Kosovo.

She argued that Serbia still has many unresolved issues with Kosovo, particularly following recent statements by Minister Paunović, which provoked strong reactions. According to her, Tirana should have taken a firmer stance but instead chose a soft policy toward Serbia, which she considers surprising.

Referring to historical experience, Koçeku stressed that every development in relations with Serbia requires the utmost caution and a thorough assessment of the consequences. For this reason, she insisted that such a diplomatic step warrants full transparency, public debate and serious analysis in the national interest.

According to her, a Serbian consulate in Shkodër would not serve Albanian interests but would strengthen Serbia’s regional position, contrary to Albania’s national interests and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

The MP reiterated that Serbia cannot be treated as a reliable partner while it continues to support policies harmful to Albanians and Kosovo. She urged Albania to act prudently in every step affecting the regional balance, always guided by the national interest and support for Kosovo.

Analysts in Albania, meanwhile, view this development with concern, arguing that Tirana is being overly generous toward Belgrade and that Pristina should reconsider its communication with the Socialist Party. They view the opening of the consulate in Bujanoc positively, as it would pave the way for Albanians there to receive funding from the Albanian state budget.

Political analyst Milaim Nela described the establishment of a Serbian consulate in Shkodër as bad news for Albanians. According to him, instead of distancing itself from a Serbia with a militaristic approach that constantly threatens Kosovo, Tirana is making concessions for a small number of families in Vrakë, whom he identifies as Montenegrin rather than Serbian.

Nela argues that Albania could have played a different role in the region by pressuring Serbia to recognize Kosovo and abandon its ambitions of reannexation. He went further, suggesting that Kosovo’s institutions should sever all ties with the Socialist Party and treat its representatives as Serbian officials, even going as far as expelling the Albanian ambassador until this decision, which he calls scandalous, is revoked.

Analyst Ilir Vata considers the Serbian consulate in Shkodër a tactical advantage for Serbia in northern Albania, giving it greater influence toward Montenegro rather than serving the limited number of Serbs there. According to him, the main objective of Albanian diplomacy was to open the consulate in Bujanoc, and to achieve this it offered Serbia the opportunity to have an office in Albania.

Vata stresses that Tirana’s official presence in the Preševo Valley is important and that the government should fund the Albanians in that area from the state budget. He views the agreement as a positive diplomatic move but stresses that its impact will be measured by concrete engagement.

Asked whether Serbia should have resolved its issues with Kosovo before this agreement and whether Albania could have blocked the process, Vata agreed, adding that Belgrade benefits more from the move because it shifts the focus away from the main problem, which is Kosovo. According to him, through this move, President Vučić aims to soften the stance of international allies and buy time to maintain control over the Kosovo issue, while he also highlights the lack of coordination between Albanians in Tirana and Pristina.

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Agron Shehaj, leader of the Mundësia Party, has strongly opposed reports that Albania and Serbia are holding negotiations to open a Serbian Consulate in Shkodër. According to him, such an initiative is unacceptable at a time when Western countries are isolating the regime of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.

Shehaj called on the Albanian government to immediately withdraw from this process and take responsibility for the situation, reports “Bota sot.” He stated that protecting Albania’s national interest can only be achieved by offering unconditional support to the Albanians of the Preševo Valley.

In his reaction, the head of the Mundësia Party described it as unforgivable that Tirana is negotiating with Belgrade for a Serbian Consulate in Shkodër, precisely at a time when, as he put it, the entire West is isolating Vučić’s regime.

He also recalled that Serbia continues to refuse to accept responsibility for the genocide in Kosovo and, at the same time, maintains a hostile rhetoric. As an example, Shehaj mentioned the unacceptable statement made a few weeks ago by the minister regarding the ethnic cleansing of Albanians.

In conclusion, Shehaj reiterated his demand that the Albanian government withdraw without delay and give an account for what is happening in the heart of Tirana.

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