Switzerland has joined the United States, Germany and other foreign donors in a $1.9 billion (SFr1.95 billion) reconstruction and debt relief commitment for Kosovo.

On Thursday, Switzerland had announced it would increase its contribution by SFr16 million to SFr77 million. The funding will go to the environment and energy sectors and to law, democracy and good governance initiatives.

Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci on Friday said his country "scored an extraordinary success" at the European Commission-organised conference in Brussels.

The total pledges, however, fall $500 million short of the previously declared hopes of the newly independent Kosovo.

The Swiss announcement did not include the SFr37.5 million spent annually until 2011 on supporting the country's military commitment in Kosovo. More than 220 Swiss soldiers are serving there as part of Nato's 16,000-strong peacekeeping force.

In all, 37 countries and 16 international organisations attended Friday's one-day meeting, including the United Nations and the World Bank.

It was the first forum for international donors to express their support for Kosovo's independence after it declared sovereignty from Serbia in February.

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