Egypt has prevented Kosovo from taking part in the Organisation of the Islamic Conference's second ministerial conference on women because of "political reasons."

An official from the Albanian embassy in Cairo, Ilir Hoxha, had earlier confirmed that the Organisation of the Islamic Conference had allowed Kosovo's participation in the meeting after receiving a request from the Albanian embassy in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.

"After our embassy in Riyadh intervened, the Organisation of the Islamic Conference's secretary located in Jeddah sent a verbal message to Egyptian authorities concerning this issue explaining that the Organisation of the Islamic Conference has no objections against the participation of a delegation of women from Kosovo as guests," Hoxha explained.

Kosovo's ministry of foreign affairs told Pristina daily, Koha Ditore, that a delegation from Kosovo, lead by deputy foreign minister Vlora Citaku, was supposed to travel to Cairo to participate in the conference. However, the trip has now been annulled.

The Conference will be held on November 24 and 25.

Eight out of 57 member states of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference have recognised Kosovo so far.

Source: Balkan Insight