New Year’s Greeting from Ambassador Iwama
2026/1/1
It has been nearly one year since I presented my Letter of Credence to H.E.President Osmani of Kosovo and commenced my duties as the Ambassador of Japan to Kosovo on January 30, 2025. During this period, there have been a number of important developments and engagements in the relationship between Japan and Kosovo.
In April, Mr. Keisuke YAMANAKA, who had served as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim and Head of the Embassy Office in Pristina for three years and four months, concluded his assignment. Under the leadership of the new Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, Mr. Hiroyasu TANIGAKI, we remain committed to further strengthening the ties between Kosovo and Japan.
Last year, Japan hosted the Osaka-Kansai Expo, with the theme of "Designing Future Society for Our Lives", from April to October, and it concluded successfully. The EXPO attracted numerous participating countries from around the world, including Kosovo, and a cumulative total of approximately 29 million visitors. On June 11, H.E. President Osmani of Kosovo participated in Kosovo’s National Day event at the Expo. She reflected on Kosovo's journey since its establishment and emphasized the importance of its future relationship with Japan. In addition to attending meetings with Japanese dignitaries and economic events in Tokyo, she also delivered a lecture at a Japanese university, engaging in lively discussions with students.
In June, Professor Hisashi Owada, former President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), visited Kosovo to receive a Doctor Honoris Causa from the University of Pristina. Professor Owada's speech at the conferral ceremony was broadcasted on live by Kosovo's public broadcasting service (RTK), and I was informed that many Kosovar citizens celebrated this honor through this broadcast.
In November, JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization), Japan's trade and investment promotion agency, dispatched a business mission to Kosovo targeting potential engagement by Japanese companies. Representatives from 11 Japanese companies participated in matchmaking events with Kosovo businesses and conducted site visits to relevant places and facilities to explore future investment opportunities.
Although the number of Japanese residents in Kosovo remains limited now, short-term visitors for sports exchanges, such as judo, and tourism are steadily increasing.
In summary, the year 2025 witnessed high-level exchanges between Japan and Kosovo, along with concrete steps towards strengthening future relations, exemplified by the November business mission. At the end of December, Kosovo's Assembly election was held for the second time in the year. We would closely observe the situation toward the formation of a new government in Kosovo following the election results. Japan intends to maintain the momentum of strengthened relations at various levels and in diverse fields during the year 2025, and we would like to continue contributing to Kosovo's development in 2026 as well, being a steadfast friend since its independence.
In April, Mr. Keisuke YAMANAKA, who had served as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim and Head of the Embassy Office in Pristina for three years and four months, concluded his assignment. Under the leadership of the new Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, Mr. Hiroyasu TANIGAKI, we remain committed to further strengthening the ties between Kosovo and Japan.
Last year, Japan hosted the Osaka-Kansai Expo, with the theme of "Designing Future Society for Our Lives", from April to October, and it concluded successfully. The EXPO attracted numerous participating countries from around the world, including Kosovo, and a cumulative total of approximately 29 million visitors. On June 11, H.E. President Osmani of Kosovo participated in Kosovo’s National Day event at the Expo. She reflected on Kosovo's journey since its establishment and emphasized the importance of its future relationship with Japan. In addition to attending meetings with Japanese dignitaries and economic events in Tokyo, she also delivered a lecture at a Japanese university, engaging in lively discussions with students.
In June, Professor Hisashi Owada, former President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), visited Kosovo to receive a Doctor Honoris Causa from the University of Pristina. Professor Owada's speech at the conferral ceremony was broadcasted on live by Kosovo's public broadcasting service (RTK), and I was informed that many Kosovar citizens celebrated this honor through this broadcast.
In November, JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization), Japan's trade and investment promotion agency, dispatched a business mission to Kosovo targeting potential engagement by Japanese companies. Representatives from 11 Japanese companies participated in matchmaking events with Kosovo businesses and conducted site visits to relevant places and facilities to explore future investment opportunities.
Although the number of Japanese residents in Kosovo remains limited now, short-term visitors for sports exchanges, such as judo, and tourism are steadily increasing.
In summary, the year 2025 witnessed high-level exchanges between Japan and Kosovo, along with concrete steps towards strengthening future relations, exemplified by the November business mission. At the end of December, Kosovo's Assembly election was held for the second time in the year. We would closely observe the situation toward the formation of a new government in Kosovo following the election results. Japan intends to maintain the momentum of strengthened relations at various levels and in diverse fields during the year 2025, and we would like to continue contributing to Kosovo's development in 2026 as well, being a steadfast friend since its independence.
Kiminori IWAMA
Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Kosovo
Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Kosovo