The United Arab Emirates recognized Kosovo independence today.

AFP quotes the official WAM news agency stating: "UAE declares its recognition of Kosovo as an independent and sovereign state."

UAE is the first Arab country to recognize Kosovo and 51st overall. Although with a majority Muslim population, recognitions for the newborn Kosovo by Muslim-majority countries have been slow, partly due to the stronger lobbying by the Serb diplomacy.

United Arab Emirates is the third state to recognize Kosovo since only 1/3 of the UN member states supported Serbia's resolution at the UN General Assembly last Wednesday to ask the World Court for a non-binding opinion on the declaration of Kosovo's independence. Montenegro and Macedonia recognized Kosovo on Thursday. 

 

United Arab Emirates is a powerful and influencial state. Several other Gulf states have stated their official support for Kosovo independence and they are expected to act at an appropriate time for the countries in question.