Prague  - The Czech Republic Wednesday recognized independent Kosovo, the Czech Foreign Ministry said.

The Czech centre-right government approved a proposal to enter into diplomatic relations with Kosovo, a step that amounts to Kosovo recognition, the ministry said in a statement.

The United States and European Union heavyweights Germany and France are among several dozen countries which have recognized the breakaway Serbian province since it unilaterally declared independence on February 17.

The Czech Republic was lukewarm to Kosovo's independence declaration, avoiding the first recognition wave.

Russia has supported Serbia in its attempt to hold on to the province. (dpa)