The gathering is organized by NGOs known as Forum 2015, and aims at securing support of Arab countries for the recognition of Kosovo Albanians' unilaterally declared independence.

Participants in the conference are scientists, publicists, reporters and representatives of the civilian sector who have influence with Arab countries, as well as the highest representatives of political and public life in Kosovo.

Intellectuals who are taking part in the work of the conference have said that there are dilemmas in the Arab world regarding the independence of Kosovo, and that this is the reason why there is hesitation to recognize it, local media have reported.

"Arabs will recognize very soon"

Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu said Monday that the Arab countries "will recognize the independence of Kosovo very soon" and that prejudices that the issue of Kosovo can be treated as a precedent for other conflicts worldwide, will be removed.

Speaking at the start of the conference today, Sejdiu said that it aims "to influence the Arab countries to recognize Kosovo".

"Kosovo has expected and expects the Arab countries to speedily recognize the reality in Kosovo and to join the other countries that have done so," he stated.

Sejdiu set out that the Kosovo institutions guarantee that democratic values will be applied to all citizens regardless of their nationality, religion or race.