NASSAU, Bahamas (CMC) —  The Bahamas on Friday said that it had established diplomatic relations with the Republic of Kosovo, a landlocked country in Southeast Europe, located on the Balkan Peninsula.

In a joint statement, the two countries said that the relations are in accordance with international law and the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

In a statement posted on social media,  President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, welcomed the initiative saying  “another  historic decision for our country”.

“The Bahamas becomes the 121st state to recognise Kosovo as an independent and sovereign state. Congratulations to all the citizens of our Republic! We have just signed, here in the capital of the Bahamas, the bilateral agreement on recognition and establishment of diplomatic relations with the Prime Minister of the Bahamas, our good friend Philip Davis,” he added.

“Both countries affirm their commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, including respect for sovereignty, equality of States, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. They agree to advance their relationship on the basis of mutual respect, reciprocity, and constructive engagement,” the joint statement said.

They have also expressed their intention to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including political consultation, trade and investment, tourism, education and culture, technology and innovation, public sector cooperation, and people to people exchange, subject to the laws and procedures of each country.

“The Bahamas and Kosovo look forward to building a warm and productive partnership that serves the interests of both peoples and contributes to peace and cooperation internationally,” the statement added.

Apart from the Bahamas, the other Caribbean Community (Caricom)  countries with diplomatic relations with the Republic of Kosovo  are Antigua and Barbuda,  Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia.