The Deputy Secretary General of NATO, Radmila Shekerinska, has stated that the Alliance’s commitment to security in Kosovo remains strong and unchanged.
In an interview for RTK, she emphasized that the allies are ready and determined to support Kosovo, as a country of strategic importance for the region. Shekerinska appreciated the good cooperation that NATO has with the security institutions in Kosovo, this cooperation has helped to build local capacities, knowledge and expertise.
She expressed herself during the meeting of defense ministers of NATO member countries in Brussels, where the issue of the Western Balkans received special attention.
After the 2023 attacks on KFOR personnel, the Alliance immediately reacted by increasing its presence. Now, with the stabilization of the situation, the rotational deployments have been stopped since January and a mission optimization process is underway.
According to Shekerinska, this shows that the local security institutions have become more capable, while KFOR’s mission can be carried out efficiently even with a more adapted presence.
“Our commitment to KFOR remains unwavering”, she underlined, adding that the mission’s main goal for 27 years has been to guarantee security, stability and freedom of movement for all citizens in Kosovo. NATO strongly supports the dialogue mediated by the European Union between Pristina and Belgrade.
Shekerinska emphasized that concrete results from this dialogue are essential to ensure long-term peace, prosperity and a better regional cooperation, while adding that the alliance expects the parties to advance in resolving outstanding issues and strengthening neighborly relations, democracy and the rule of law.
The Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, has also confirmed that Kosovo is an important partner for the Alliance, appreciating the improvement of the security situation in the country.
