(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-02-19 22:08

PARIS - French President Nicolas Sarkozy has recognized the new "sovereign and independent" state of Kosovo, according to reports.

"The foreign ministers of twenty-seven European Union member states, having noted this new reality, have today confirmed the European commitment to Kosovo," according to Sarkozy's letter, which was made public Monday by the French president's office.

"I have the honor of informing you that France, in full agreement with the EU declaration, and in reference to the resolution adopted by Kosovo's national assembly on February 17, today recognizes Kosovo as a sovereign and independent state," Sarkozy said.

He also proposes the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and the nomination of Delphine Borione, who was previously head of French liaison office in the capital of Pristina, as the new charge d'affaires of the French Embassy.

He also hoped that a "new page" would be opened between France and Kosovo leading not only to bilateral relations, but also to political, cultural, economic and academic relations as well.