Turkish, Kosovar foreign ministers sign agreement on visa-free travels

The agreement signed by Kosovo's Foreign Minister Skender Hyseni and his Turkish counterpart Ali Babacan, is the first of its kind since Pristina declared independence from Serbia in February.

Babacan was in Kosovo for a two-day visit.

"After it comes into force, Kosovar people will be able to visit Turkey just with their passports, and without a visa," Babacan was quoted by the Anatolian Agency as saying in regard to the agreement on visa exemption.

The foreign ministers also signed a strategy document aiming to boost the relations between two countries.

Kosovo and Turkey agreed to closely cooperate in various areas of common interest, Hyseni said after his talks with Babacan. He added Turkey always supported Kosovo and the two countries shared common targets.

The declaration of independence by Kosovo's ethnic Albanian leaders has been recognized by 53 countries including the United States and most EU countries; while Serbia, which enjoys Russian support, says the declaration is illegal.