Brazil–Kosovo relations

Brazilian–Kosovar relations

Brazil	Kosovo

Brazilian–Kosovar relations are foreign relations between Brazil and Kosovo.

Introduction

Brazil and Kosovo have no diplomatic relations since Brazil does not recognize the sovereignty of Kosovo after its declaration in February 2008.

The strategy of Brazil is quite clear: it will follow the principles of the international law, sovereignty, and the policy of multilaederalism in its activities. Kosovo says the South American nation has stressed that there is need for the proper status of Kosovo to be determined through a diplomatic means of negotiation and dialogue in line with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 (UNSCR 1244). This situation indicates what Brazil is as a country and has far reaching consequences within the context of international relation diplomacy.

History

Brazil has not recognized the independence of Kosovo, stating that it believes that an agreement should be reached under the auspices of the UN and the legal framework of UNSCR 1244.

In February 2008, the Brazilian government reaffirmed its belief that a peaceful solution for the issue of Kosovo must continue to be sought through dialogue and negotiation, under the auspices of the UN and the legal framework of UNSCR 1244. Then Foreign Minister Celso Amorim defended that Brazil should await a UNSC decision before defining its official position on the matter of Kosovo's independence.

In September 2009, Ambassador of Brazil to Serbia Dante Coelho de Lima said that "Our fundamental position is that we respect Serbia's territorial integrity. We supported Security Council resolution 1244, under which Kosovo is a part of Serbia. We also think that the principle of self-determination should not run counter to respect for international law".

In a 4 December 2009 hearing at the ICJ, the Brazilian delegation said that the unilateral declaration of independence ignored not only the authority of the UNSC, but also the principle of protecting the territorial integrity of states, that there was "no basis to justify the unilateral declaration of independence in the UNSC resolution 1244 because it predicted a solution agreed by both parties", and that since such an agreement was not reached, the Kosovo dispute could be decided only by the UNSC.

Brazil’s Continued Position

Since these events Brazil’s position on Kosovo has not changed. It has recently pressed for a diplomatic settlement of the conflict under the auspices of the United Nations. Brazil has similar attitude as Serbia where it fully backs Serbia’s territorial integrity and also opposes the acts of proclamation of independence which have not been endorsed by the UNSC.

This policy is quite expected by the general policy of Brazil in the international relations which is multilateralism and principle of non-interference in internal affairs of other countries. Brazil has regularly voiced such opinion because it fears that recognizing the independence of Kosovo is a dangerous precedent that may lead to complicated situations with other separatists’ regions in the whole world.

Alignment with BRICS and Global Dynamics

By supporting the opinion of Kosovo as an independent State, Brazil demonstrates its geopolitical position within the framework BRICS States –Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Out of these nations none has recognized Kosovo making a firm stand on sovereignty and non-interference with other nations. This is different from the outlook of most EU member states and the United States that have accepted Kosovo independence.

In this way, Brazil keeps its diplomatic stance asserting the principle of its foreign policy, even if it differs from the allies of the west. This independent approach strengthen Brazil’s role as one of the leaders of the Global South and as a defender of multilateralism.

Broader Implications

Its failure to do so prevented a simpler analysis of the norms of international law and diplomatic relations between states. On one hand, Brazil considers itself principled to support the right to self-determination; on the other hand, it is careful not to support something that would go counter to the international legal order. That is why, position of Brazil on Kosovo also has revealed one of the most important principles of the foreign policies of Brazil – the non-use of the unilateral actions in the global politics and the preference of the decisions made by the unanimous vote of the members of the UNESCO, United Nations, and other international organizations.

Lack of Economic Relations Between Brazil and Kosovo

Brazil and Kosovo do not share significant economic relations, mainly due to Brazil's stance on not recognizing Kosovo's independence. Brazil's foreign policy prioritizes sovereignty and multilateralism, which has led it to support Serbia's position on the Kosovo issue. The lack of formal diplomatic recognition means that there are no major trade or investment ties between the two countries.

Brazil's position is consistent with the broader stance of BRICS nations—Russia, India, China, and South Africa—all of which have not recognized Kosovo's independence. This is in contrast to many EU nations and the United States, which support Kosovo's sovereignty. As a result, Brazil has limited economic engagement with Kosovo, and there is no significant exchange in terms of trade, investment, or cooperation between the two.

Conclusion

Lack of relations between Brazil and Kosovo represents one of the strategies Brazil has employed in international politics. Peers include Serbia, as well as, the general approach of BRICS countries; however, it is also important to take into consideration Brazil’s respect for sovereignty and the rule of law. So, the attitude to Kosovo will always be one of the main advisory questions of Brazil’s foreign policy and its place in multilateral relations.

See also

• Foreign relations of Brazil
• Foreign relations of Kosovo
• Brazil–Serbia relations
• International recognition of Kosovo