Gecaj: Baker’s first visit important for Kosovo, U.S. defense representatives' presence welcome

Security expert Hysen Gecaj described the first visit of David Baker, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for European and NATO Policy, to Pristina as a positive development and emphasized that the topics of discussion were highly important for Kosovo.

Although it was officially announced that the meeting between Baker and Kosovo officials focused on U.S.–Kosovo defense cooperation and regional security, Gecaj assumes that the discussions were also more specifically centered on Kosovo.

"I can only speculate about the topics of Baker's discussions with Kosovo leaders. What is publicly known and was realistically to be expected is that they talked about security—namely, maintaining peace and stability in the region. The second key topic is Kosovo’s path toward NATO. These are the two main issues that are very significant for the Republic of Kosovo, as well as for the United States, which sees Kosovo as a partner," Gecaj told Kosovo Online.

He noted that the situation in Ukraine—which is worsening by the day—as well as security challenges in Kosovo and the region, have also played a role.

"Every day we face instability here in the surrounding area. Bosnia is one such territory. If we're not careful, we could see an unfavorable situation there—a new conflict. A similar situation exists with Kosovo due to its relationship with Serbia. But now we also see internal problems in Serbia, with some movements suggesting the possibility of unrest there as well. Taking all of that into account, the presence of American defense representatives here is both necessary and welcome, as they can coordinate with political actors here in Kosovo and the broader region," Gecaj stressed.

He also noted that in recent days, French representatives have been active regarding the region’s security situation.

"They also met with Vucic, and all of this points to increased activity by key Western actors when it comes to security and the general safety of people in the Balkans, who are still living under unstable conditions, as we witness every day," the security expert concluded.