Qatar and Saudi Arabia have demonstrated their warming relations with Kosova in the wake of a visit by Kosova’s senior diplomat, Skender Hyseni.

Below is an article published by Balkan Insight:

Kosovo’s chief diplomat, Skender Hyseni, held a series of meetings in Vienna on Monday [26 May 2008] with ambassadors of Arab countries, seeking recognition of Kosovo's independence.

Foreign Minister Hyseni met with the ambassadors of Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates accredited to the United Nations office in Vienna, and briefed them on developments following Kosovo's declaration of independence on February 17 [2008].

“Faster recognition of the independent and sovereign state of Kosovo enables a new perspective for the Kosovo people and creates a sustainable and general development,” Hyseni told the ambassadors during Monday [26 May 2008]'s meetings.

Among other things, Hyseni emphasised that “the newly-approved Constitution of Kosovo is a modern act that protects human rights and ethnic minorities’ rights.”

Kosovo's independence has been opposed by Serbia and its chief ally, Russia, and recognised by 41 countries so far.

None of the Arab countries has recognised the move, although some, including Qatar and Saudi Arabia, have indicated that they have begun the recognition process.

The Charge d’Affaires of the Saudi Arabian embassy in Vienna, Abdulrahman Al-Suahibani, told Hyseni that he has been instructed by his government to communicate to Kosovo’s Foreign Minister that “Saudi Arabia will recognise Kosovo very soon”.