“dedicated to stability in the region” - NATO with statement with Rutte's main messages in Pristina, Sarajevo

“NATO reconfirms its commitment to the stability of the Western Balkans, while Secretary General Rutte wraps up visits to Sarajevo and Pristina”, the title of the declaration made public today, says.

NATO points to top statement that <x0m 10 and March 11th 2025, Secretary General NATO, Mark Rutte, visited Sarajevo and Pristina”.

“in Sarajevo, he met with senior Bosnia and Herzegovina officials, including the chairman and presidency members, chairman of the Council of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Defence Minister and Security Minister, as well as the NATO Chief of Staff in Sarajevo, High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the commander of the EUFOR mission. The secretary general also held a discussion with students at Sarajevo University”, the statement said.

During his visit, Mr. Rutte stressed that “NATO remains steadfastly committed to the stability of this region and to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of Bosnia and Herzegovina”, said in the Alliance's statement. He added that “The Dayton Peace Accord is the foundation of peace in this country and must be respected; we support the Office of the High Representative; any action that undermines Dayton, constitutional order or state institutions is unacceptable; rhetoric and promotional actions are dangerous; they pose a direct threat to the stability and security of Bosnia and Herzegovina”. Secretary - General NATO also underlined the need for political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina “do their part” and “take responsibility” for their country's progress and stability. He made it clear that “is not 1992” and that NATO and its international partners are present and engaged in Bosnia and Herzegovina and “will not allow creating a security vacuum”. Finally, he stressed that the Alliance remains committed to co-operation with Bosnia and Herzegovina. “We already have a strong partnership and are willing to build on NATO's long-term support for the unified Armed Forces of BiH and for defence and security reforms, through our headquarters in Sarajevo, our new Political Cell and Our Package for Construction of Defence Capacity”, he said.

“In Pristina, the Secretary General led a visit by the North Atlantic Council and contributing troop partners to the NATO-led mission KFOR, as well as to the NATO Consultative and Interconnection Team (NALT). Along with NATO Deputy Secretary General Mrs. Radmila Sekerinska, and the chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuspe Cavo Dragone, met with the leadership and staff of KFOR and NALT. They also held an exchange of views with the Chief of European Union Missions, the EU Mission for Rule of Law in Kosovo (EULEX), the UN Secretary General's Special Representative and UNMIK Mission Chief, as well as with the incumbent Chief of the OSCE Mission. Furthermore, the secretary-general met with representatives of Kosovo institutions for bilateral discussions”, the statement said.

“NATO has supported peace and stability in the Western Balkans region for thirty years; our commitment remains strong even today, led by KFOR, which is our longest and currently larger mission. Under the excellent leadership of Major General Enrico Bardonini, our KFOR troops work hard to ensure a safe and stable environment for all people and communities living in Kosovo, in line with the UN's long-term mandate for KFOR; meanwhile, the Consultative Team and the Liaison of NATO continues to support security organisations in Kosovo, through capacity building, education and co-ordination of training; a secure region of the Western Balkans means more security throughout Euro-Atlantic space”, said Secretary General Rutte. “NATO will continue to play its role, in close co-ordination with the Kosovo Police and the EU Mission for Law Rule in Kosovo, each in its role as a guarantor of security”, he added. “The solution that leads to long-term peace is political; NATO will continue to fully support the normalisation of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, led by the European Union; this is the only way to resolve open issues and ensure a stable future, ensuring that the rights of all communities are respected and protected; to advance Dialogue, both sides must show flexibility, make necessary compromises and focus on long-term benefits<5>, he stressed.