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In order to initiate the procedure of recognition of the independence of Kosovo, Minister of Foreign Affairs of  Lithuania Petras Vaitiekūnas sent a letter to the Seimas of Lithuania on 19 February, suggesting that the parliament recognised the independence of Kosovo.

“The historical experiences and processes of negotiations regarding the status of Kosovo have determined the fact that the independence of Kosovo - safeguarded by the international community - is the only sustainable solution that will promise safety and stability in the region. Because one more independent state - which has already been or will be recognised by most of the international community - has appeared on the European map, we hereby propose that the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania recognised Kosovo,” — Minister P.Vaitiekūnas stated in his letter to the Seimas of Lithuania.

On 17 February 2008, the Parliament of Kosovo unanimously voted for the declaration of independence of Kosovo, in which Kosovo was declared an independent and sovereign state.

The aforementioned declaration states that Kosovo will be a democratic, secular, multiethnic republic respecting the rights of all communities and adhering to the Proposal for the Kosovo Status Settlement of the UN special envoy Martti Ahtisaari. 

In its declaration of independence, Kosovo undertakes to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbouring states, to develop friendly relations with its neighbouring states, including the Republic of Serbia, and to contribute to the promotion of peace and stability in the region.

Like most EU Member States, Lithuania has consistently supported the view that the case of Kosovo is unique, and may not be used as a precedent for the resolution of other frozen conflicts.   

On 18 February of this year, the President of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus congratulated Kosovo on its decision and asked the Lithuanian foreign minister to initiate the procedure of recognition of Kosovo at the Lithuanian Seimas.