Kosovo recognized by 100 countries now

CAIRO / PRISTINA

Kosovo welcomed news that the European Union was prepared to open its doors to the Balkan territory, along with Serbia, as a ‘milestone.’ REUTERS Photo

Egypt has become the 100th country to recognize Kosovo as independent, the Pristina government said June 26, a milestone for the Balkan country’s pursuit of full international acceptance.

“The oldest state in the world, Egypt, has officially recognized now the youngest state in Europe - Kosovo,” Kosovo Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj said on Twitter. A ministry official said this was the 100th recognition since Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in February 2008 with the backing of the West.

Meanwhile, Kosovo welcomed news that the European Union was prepared to open its doors to the Balkan territory, along with Serbia, as a “milestone.”

“Yesterday’s recommendation... marks an important milestone for Kosovo and the region,” Kosovo’s Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj told journalists during a visit to Ljubljana on the same day Egypt recognized Kosovo.

EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Füle said June 25 that the bloc would formally adopt today a mandate to start talks on a Stabilization and Association Agreement with Kosovo, a first step towards membership. EU ministers also recommended that Serbia begin accession negotiations by the very latest in January 2014.