Markos Kyprianou says Serbia's refusal to recognize the independence of its breakaway province Kosovo should not hurt its EU membership bid.

Kosovo declared its independence last year. About 60 countries have recognized its independence, including the United States and most of the European Union.

Cyprus is among several EU members, including Spain and Greece, that do not recognize an independent Kosovo.

Kyprianou says he's disappointed that the implementation of an EU-Serbia association agreement is being delayed because of "objections by some EU partners."

Kyprianou spoke Friday after meeting his Serbian counterpart Vuk Jeremic.