Washington - Kosovo's leaders signed documents Monday to usher the small Balkan country into the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, more than one year after it declared independence from Serbia.

President Fatmir Sejdiu and Prime Minister Hashim Thaci signed the documents in a brief ceremony at the US State Department in Washington.

"Kosovos membership in IMF and the World Bank has not only economic repercussions, but also political," Thaci said. "It strengthens the sovereignty of our country, opens up prospects for the economic development of the country, and creates the work for an independent Kosovo."

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in February 2008 and was quickly recognized by the United States and dozens of other countries. Russia has refused to recognize Kosovo's independence from its traditional ally.(dpa)