The European Commission today recommends visa liberalization for Kosovo citizens. The recommendation now needs to be adopted by absolute majority through a co-decision procedure by the European Parliament and the Council.
Kosovo becomes member of UEFA!
Kosovo becomes member of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). The decision was made at UEFA’s 40th Ordinary Congress in Budapest, Hungary.
This decision allows Kosovo to participate in football competitions organised by UEFA, including the European Cup.
Kosovo today became the 55th member of UEFA.
Solomon Islands recognizes Kosovo
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Kosovo announced today that Solomon Islands has recognized Kosovo as an independent state. The Verbal Note confirming the recognition will be received shortly.
We want to thank the people of Solomon Islands for their acceptance and friendship.
Togo recognizes Kosovo
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Kosovo today announced that Togo has decided to recognize Kosovo.
We want to thank the people of Togo for their friendship and support. Thank you!
Tonga recognition confirmed – Verbal Note delivered
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Kosovo today declared that the verbal note confirming the recognition of Kosovo by the Kingdom of Tonga has arrived.
We want to wholeheartedlty thank the people of Tonga for their support and friendship.
This makes Tonga the 106th UN Member state to recognize Kosovo.
El Salvador recognition confirmed
Today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Kosovo announced that the Verbal Note, confirming the recognition of Kosovo by El Salvador, has arrived at the General Consulate of Kosovo in New York.
This makes El Salvador the 105 UN Member State to recognize Kosovo as an independent and free state.
We thank the people of El Salvador for their friendship, acceptance and recognition.
Grenada, Libya and Thailand – Thank you!
Last week, officials from the Kosovo government, including the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister of Republic of Kosovo, have announced that Grenada, Libya and Thailand have all officially recognized Kosovo as an independent country. These recognitions were initially communicated over Twitter and later confirmed on the site of the Executive branch (references included in the listing of countries).
The announcements were made during an official visit to the  68th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
We would like to thank the people of Grenada, Libya and Thailand for their acceptance and friendship. Each recognition is important, big or small, and each is of highest value.
We wholeheartedly thank you.
Happy 5th Independence Anniversary, the Successes and Failures
Five years ago on February 17th 2008, the hopes and dreams of Kosovar people were at their all time high. Five years ago Kosovars started hoping that one day their country will be an equal among nations.
On this important date it is important to celebrate the successes but not ignore the failures.
The successes have been many: the recognition by 98 UN Member states, among with other non-members; the membership to different organisations such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; and the adherence to a European outlook.
The five years of independence have also brought stability and peace, and most importantly, a clear direction for the bruised Balkan nations, with different levels of success.
Five years is a long time in state building and development. Miracles can and have happened in five years. Examples are abundant around the world.
No amount of celebration and self-congratulation can void the fact that there have been failures.
And failures have been many: the standard of living in Kosovo has increased only slightly; unemployment is still among the highest in Europe; Kosovo is not present in any of the ISO standards; nationals of this small republic can travel to a handfull of countries without needing a visa; Kosovo is isolated from the rest of Europe in many ways; the development, foreign, security and other policies have been insufficient in delivering their goals; the political spectrum has not nurtured growth and development, instead, it has nurtured factions and infighting. The list is easy to add to. But it shall stop here.
Have a happy independence day, enjoy it and celebrate it. Let’s not forget the work that needs to be done to celebrate the 10th anniversary with more successes and fewer failures.
Pakistan recognizes Kosovo
Update: the web site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan has issued a press release confirming that Pakistan recognizes Kosovo. The press release also states that the Pakistani Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey will be accredited as the Ambassador to the Republic of Kosovo.
Media in Pakistan have made an unconfirmed announcement over Twitter that Pakistan has recognized Kosovo.
If confirmed, this would make Pakistan the 98th UN Member State to recognize Kosovo.
Following our established practice, we will await confirmation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Kosovo before considering this news as official. Stand by for updates. Other reports indicate that the verbal note, confirming the recognition message, has already been sent and is due to arrive shortly.
Nevertheless, we would like to thank the Pakistani people for their support and friendship, with or without the recognition.
Dominica recognizes Kosovo
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Kosovo today confirmed that Commonwealth of Dominica has officially recognized Kosovo as an independent state.
This brings the total number of UN Member states recognizing Kosovo to 97.
We thank the Dominican people for their offer of friendship and acceptance.
Thank you Dominica!