Stoltenberg says KFOR shows NATO commitment to region

“The fact that we are so many nations here from NATO allied countries, but also from some partner nations demonstrates the strength of our mission. It demonstrates the commitment by many nations to stability and peace in Kosovo and in this region,” a press release quoted the NATO Secretary General as saying at a meeting with KFOR Commander Major General Franco Federici, personnel from the 27 troop contributing nations and the Director of the NATO Advisory and Liaison Team Brigadier General Jörg Ruter.

He added that the KFOR mission is important not only for Kosovo and the region, but also for NATO and for all NATO allies, “because we have seen throughout history that stability in this region matters for all of us”. “It matters for Europe, it matters for NATO,” he said and recalled that KFOR is NATO’s longest military operation.

The press release said that Stoltenberg met with Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Minister for Return Goran Rakic, adding that he stressed NATO’s support to the EU-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and other efforts aimed at normalizing their relations.