Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Godwin Friday, met with his Kosovo counterpart, Albin Kurti, to discuss Kosovo’s request for recognition as an independent and sovereign state and the potential for bilateral engagement.
The leaders met on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The discussion reflected on the experiences of small states, sovereignty, and self-determination, with Friday highlighting SVG’s history of colonialism and the Garifuna resistance as central to the country’s understanding of independence and sovereignty.
Kurti outlined Kosovo’s case for recognition, including its 2008 declaration of independence, the 2010 International Court of Justice advisory opinion, which found that the declaration of independence did not violate international law, and the ongoing EU-facilitated normalisation process with Serbia.
Friday said SVG was sympathetic to Kosovo’s request but said that further consultations would be required before SVG determines its position.
The prime minister made no commitment on recognition during the meeting.
The discussion also identified opportunities for practical cooperation, with Kosovo highlighting its growing digital and technology sector, tourism and search-and-rescue expertise.
Friday expressed interest in digital cooperation and outlined SVG’s priorities as a small island developing state (SIDS), particularly climate resilience, disaster preparedness and access to rapid financing following natural disasters.
Kurti said Kosovo is willing to support greater international attention to the climate vulnerabilities faced by SVG and other SIDS.
Both sides agreed on the value of continued engagement and exploring areas where the two small states could develop a practical relationship beyond the recognition question.
SVG, Austria discuss strengthening relations
Separately, the Vincentian leader met with Austria’s Federal Chancellor, Christian Stocker, and UN Ambassador, Gregor W. Koessler, to discuss strengthening relations between SVG and Austria.
Prime Minister Friday was accompanied by Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble, minister of foreign affairs, foreign trade, foreign investment and diaspora affairs, and Vynnette Frederick, SVG’s UN ambassador.
The engagement included signing a memorandum of understanding between the two countries, providing a framework for deeper bilateral cooperation.
The discussions focused on peace and multilateral cooperation, the unique challenges facing SIDS, climate resilience and recovery, and access to development and disaster financing.
Friday highlighted SVG’s renewable energy ambitions, including the continued exploration of geothermal energy and the potential of wave energy as the country seeks to strengthen energy security and advance its transition towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future.