This was after the Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Clay Forau submitted a Cabinet paper to Cabinet today which was eventually agreed upon by Cabinet to recognize Kosovo as an independent state.

MrForau said Cabinet was satisfied with Kosovo’s process of democratization and that relations between Serbia and Kosovo have improved immensely.

“Therefore, given the current status of the improved relations between Serbia and Kosovo it is appropriate for us to re-consider Solomon Islands position on Kosovo,” he said.

The Foreign Minister adds that Kosovo has also been recognized by 109 countries which also include pacific island countries as well as Australia and New Zealand; who are also members of the United Nations.

Furthermore, MrForau said Kosovo hadalso become a member of international organisations such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the International Bar Association.

“Given the improvement of relations between Serbia and Kosovo and the need to broaden our relations bilaterally with other countries, it is important that we recognize the Republic of Kosovo as an independent state and to explore the opportunities Kosovo could offer for Solomon Islands,” he said.