The African state of Malawi has recognised the independence of Kosovo from Serbia, becoming the 64th country to do so, Kosovo's foreign ministry said Wednesday. The note on recognition was 'sent by the permanent mission of the Republic of Malawi in the United Nations', the ministry said in a statement. Ethnic Albanian-majority Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008. Among the countries that recognise Kosovo are the United States and most of the European Union. Serbia is backed by Russia in its rejection of the move, which it considers a breach of international law. Belgrade is challenging the legality of Kosovo's independence before the International Court of Justice, which has ended public hearings on the issue on December 11. The UN court heard testimony from around 30 nations in a session that began on December 1 at the request of Serbia, which has asked the UN General Assembly to intervene. Its 15 judges were due to deliver their non-binding opinion to the UN General Assembly in the coming months, after which it would be made public. 