Stoltenberg: Current relations between Kosovo, Serbia are hampering politics, economy

If you are neutral, that doesn't mean you don't have to protect yourselves, only that you will be protected alone, without anyone's help, and that costs Apathurai said after statements of neutrality from Serbia.

Switzerland has to pay a lot of money to protect itself from enemies. The same applies to Finland and Sweden, which have significantly increased defence investments, Appathurai said. Alliance members have acknowledged that by 2024 they will raise defence investments to two percent gross domestic production (BPV)

Appathurai estimates that without the presence of the United States these costs would be 4 per cent to 6 per cent of the BPVA, and then the same level of defence would not be achieved.

Appathurai said NATO respects Serbia's neutrality and does not require anyone to choose between west and east. We have an active co-operation with Serbia, which is a reliable partner, he said. In the case that Belgrade often puts co-operation with Russia first, even though NATO members are the most important donor of Serbia, where the US gives the largest aid to the Serbian Army, Appathurai said it is a reality that Belgrade is a reliable partner.

We work hard, including fellow exercise. But, we would appreciate whether the Serbian leadership and media would inform citizens about how much Serbia co-operates with the West and helps the West.

Appathurai also said Alenaca hopes it will launch dialogue on normalising relations between Belgrade and Pristina, which the new European Union leadership wants.

“Dialogue can lead to fundamental changes throughout the region, as far as Euro-Atlantic integrations, economic development, which we support continue. It is in Belgrade and Pristina's interest to solve their problems, it is for their own good. Their current relations hinder politics and the economy, Appathurai said.