NATO: Our commitment to Kosovo remains steadfast, Allies expect concrete results from dialogue

The alliance is committed to supporting Kosovo as a country of strategic importance. In Brussels, where the defence ministers of NATO member states have met, attention was also given to Kosovo.

NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Sekerinska in an interview for RTK has praised co-operation with security institutions in Kosovo. She has reconfirmed that support to continue is indisputable.

“A number of ministers, especially from the Western Balkans, but also those involved in our missions in the region, addressed the Balkan issue. All stressed the need to maintain attention and vigilance, because the Western Balkans have strategic importance for the Alliance. We appreciate the co-operation we have had with security institutions. We believe that our commitment has brought positive results”, she said.

After the events of 2023, when KFOR personnel were attacked, and immediately after those attacks we increased our presence, Sekerinska said.

Now that the situation has stabilised, since January we have interrupted rotary delocations and we will have a more optimised presence. This also shows that security institutions have become more capable and that our mission can be realised with a smaller number of troops. The secretary general was very clear at his press conference, saying our commitment to KFOR remains steadfast”, she said.

Since the beginning, 27 years ago, KFOR's goal, according to him, has been to ensure security and stability for all people living there, to ensure freedom of movement and to create a safer environment for the entire region.

The Supreme Allied Commander has estimated that, since the situation is stable, KFOR can be optimised. The mission must be adjusted for its purpose, so there will be a process of optimising KFOR. The fact that we are present and that the allies remain committed shows that our vigilance and commitment are very strong”, Radmila Sekerinska, NATO Deputy Secretary General, said.

The deputy secretary said the Alliance is willing to further support Kosovo's path in other important processes, but according to her, allies also expect concrete results from the dialogue.

She underlined that the best way to contribute to regional and global peace is for each country to do its duty: solve problems, invest in good bilateral and neighbourly relations and strengthen democracy and rule of law.

Radmila Sekerinska, NATO Deputy Secretary General

“We will continue our commitment. Recent decisions clearly show that such commitment is firm. Allies are willing and determined to help, but all expect concrete results from political dialogue, which can pave the way for even better co-operation. We have had good co-operation with the Kosovo Police. This co-operation has built local capacity, knowledge and expertise. Thus creates a safer” environment, she said.

If this is accompanied by concrete results from political dialogue, then according to it, NATO has the necessary formula to ensure the security and interests of citizens and the entire region.

“Must be very clear: KFOR's goal is to support the dialogue mediated by the European Union between Pristina and Belgrade. Only through this political process can lasting peace be ensured. We, together with EU representative Sorensen, believe the focus should be on concrete results from this dialogue. Unresolved issues must be addressed, because this will bring more security and prosperity”, Sekerinska said.

Otherwise, the Secretary General himself NATO, Mark Rutte, after meetings with the ministers of Alliance member states has said Kosovo is its important partner, despite the fact that some countries do not recognise Kosovo, positively assessing the improvement of the security situation in the country.