By Jamal Yali (with photos) PRISTINA, Oct 8 (KUNA) -- His Highness Prime Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah had told Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci during a meeting on the sideline of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) that "upon His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah's instructions the State of Kuwait will declare its recognition of Kosovo Republic in the coming few days," Kuwait's top lawmaker said Saturday.
These remarks were made by National Assembly Speaker Jassem Al-Karafi in a joint press conference with Kosovo Parliament Speaker Jakup Krasniqi here.
When asked about specific day for the recognition, Al-Kharafi said, "I am not entitled to announce a specific day but I confirm it will be in the coming few days".
He unveiled that during Krasniqi's visit to Kuwait this issue was raised in his meeting with HH the Amir.
"HH the Amir frankly replied saying that Kuwait's recognition will be after the court's verdict," Al-Kharafi added in what appears to be a reference to the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) ruling on Kosovo's independence.
In a statement to KUNA, Al-Kharafi summarized the nature of the relations between Kuwait and Kosovo in the post-recognition era.
"In the first phase we will focus on exchanging visits between political, parliamentary, economic, trade and investment officials," he said.
"In the second phase, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development will finance many development projects in Kosovo and in the third phase a number of investment agreements between businessmen in both countries will be signed." With regard to his visit to Kosovo and talks with Krasniqi, Al-Kharafi said cooperation between Kuwaiti and Kosovo parliaments were at the highest levels.
"It is a role model for bilateral parliamentary relations," he said.
Al-Kharafi also pointed out that he has conveyed to Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu, the greetings and best wishes of HH the Amir to her and all Kosovo people.
The Kuwaiti parliamentary delegation also consists of MP Ali Al-Omair, MP Mohammad Hayef Al-Mutairi and Faisal Al-Duwaisan.
For his part, Kosovo Parliament Speaker Krasniqi said that Kosovo is yearning for special ties with Kuwait.
"Kuwaiti parliament has recognized the Republic of Kosovo and we now wait the recognition of the Kuwaiti government," he said, stressing that the recognition will open the way for "distinguish" relations between the two countries in all fields.
"I hope that the State of Kuwait will be the 85 state to recognize the Republic of Kosovo," he said noting 84 countries have already recognized the state.
Krasniqi welcomed Al-Kharafi his accompanying parliamentary delegation's visit to Kosovo.
He added that talks between the two sides have focused on means to strengthen bilateral relations, activate joint parliamentarian cooperation and coordinate stances in international organizations. (end) jy.ibi KUNA 082150 Oct 11NNNN