Turkey welcomed Sunday's local elections in the Republic of Kosovo,the first since its declaration of independence, Turkish foreign ministry in a statement on Tuesday.

"We welcom that the local elections of November 15 in Kosovo were held in a peaceful and clam manner," the ministry said. "We contratulate the people of Kosovo for conducting free, fair and democratic elections"

The statement said the elections were of particular importance because they were the first elections to be held in Kosovo sincen its declaration of independence.

"We hope that these elections will contribute to support  the independence of Kosovo and its objective aimed at integrating with the Euro-Atlantic structure" it said.

It also said that the Turkey would continue support Kosovo along its path of democracy, stability and development.