Turkey on Sunday voiced disappointment over majority-Muslim Kosovo's decision to recognize Israel and set up its mission in Jerusalem.
A vocal advocate of the Palestinian cause, Turkey became one of the first countries to recognize Kosovo, which declared its independence from Serbia in 2008.
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Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic (l) with U.S. President Trump and Kosovan Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti at the White House on Friday
(Photo: AP)
"Even the thought by Kosovo officials of taking such a step - which is a clear violation of international law - is disappointing," the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement.
The ministry called on the Kosovo leadership to avoid such steps that would harm the legal status of Jerusalem.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday that Serbia will become the first European country to transfer its embassy to Jerusalem.
Kosovo will also set up its Israel mission in Jerusalem and in exchange earn Israel's recognition, as it seeks to further legitimize its statehood.
Those decisions came out of a U.S.-brokered agreement between the two Balkan rivals.
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A father holds his son waving Kosovo's flag as they celebrate the 12th anniversary of the country's independence in February
(Photo: AP)
In a separate statement late Saturday, the Turkish foreign ministry said it was also "deeply concerned" by Serbia's move.
The United States in December 2017 recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital and shifted its embassy from Tel Aviv to the city, sparking Palestinian outrage.