The Government of the Republic of El Salvador decided to recognize the Republic of Kosovo yesterday evening, reports the US edition of the Kosovar daily Bota Sot.

Bexhet Pacolli, an influential Kosovar political leader and president of the political party ARK, who attended the inauguration of the new President of El Salvador, Carlos Mauricio Funes Cartagena, confirms that "the Government of the Republic of El Salvador last evening decided to recognize the Republic of Kosovo as an independent and sovereign country."

The formal ratification by the Salvadorian parliament is expected this week.

Pacolli said that the note verbale of recognition will arrive in Kosovo this week. During his visit in El Salvador, he met with the highest officials of the country.

El Salvador becomes the 61st country to recognize Kosovo as an independent and sovereign state.