By RIA Novosti
Belgrade : Kosovo authorities plan to open 20 embassies abroad, the deputy prime minister of the self-proclaimed state, Hajredin Kuci, said.
Kosovo unilaterally declared its independence Feb 17, adopting a new national flag and national emblem.
The province’s sovereignty has so far been formally recognised by 36 countries, including the US and most European Union (EU) members. Russia and China have consistently backed Belgrade’s position that Kosovo must remain a part of Serbia.
While speaking to journalists Friday, Kuci said the country plans to open embassies in the US, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Albania and Croatia.
Kosovo’s Prime Minister Hashim Thaci Thursday said that the first three diplomatic missions will be opened in Washington, New York and Brussels immediately after the new constitution takes effect June 15.
The annual staffing cost for just one diplomatic mission is expected to be around $370,000 for “the world’s newest state”.
The US, Germany and Switzerland have so far opened embassies in Kosovo. Many countries, including Russia, have sent diplomatic missions to Pristina, capital of Kosovo.