NATO leaders called for the de-escalation of the situation in Kosovo and the implementation of the agreement

NATO leaders, in a joint statement from the Summit in Vilnius, called for the de-escalation of the situation in Kosovo, as well as the implementation of the Brussels and Ohrid agreements.

"We support the dialogue with the support of the EU and other efforts aimed at normalizing relations between Belgrade and Pristina and call on the parties to seize the moment and engage in good faith towards achieving a lasting political solution. We call on both sides to immediately de-escalate the situation, return to dialogue and engage constructively in the implementation of the agreement on the path to normalization between Belgrade and Pristina, which was recently reached in Brussels and Ohrid," the announcement states.

In the conclusion which contains 90 points, which concern all security challenges, the Western Balkans is mentioned from 75 to 78 points.

"The Western Balkans is a region of strategic importance to NATO, as highlighted by our long history of cooperation and operations. We remain strongly committed to the security and stability of the Western Balkans by supporting reforms that advance the aspirations of countries in the region for NATO and the EU. We will continue to enhance our political dialogue and practical cooperation in support of reforms, regional peace and security, and countering malicious influence, including disinformation, hybrid and cyber threats, posed by state and non-state actors. The region requires the continued attention and commitment of the Alliance and the international community to counter these challenges. Democratic values, the rule of law, domestic reforms and good-neighborly relations are of vital importance for regional cooperation and Euro-Atlantic integration, and we expect continued progress in this regard," the announcement states.

Next, NATO looks at the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, stressing that the alliance strongly supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a stable and secure Bosnia and Herzegovina, in accordance with the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina and other relevant international agreements. "We encourage domestic reconciliation and call on political leaders to refrain from divisive and secessionist rhetoric and actions. We remain committed to the country's Euro-Atlantic aspirations. We continue to support reform efforts, including through the newly agreed defense capacity building package, the NATO headquarters in Sarajevo, and broad cooperative tools for security and partnership, as well as through the NATO Country Reform Program. We encourage Bosnia and Herzegovina to take advantage of NATO's support and intensify efforts to achieve reform progress in key areas, including much-needed political, electoral, rule of law, economic and defense reforms, without prejudice to the final decision on NATO membership." NATO adds.

Also, NATO emphasizes the need for further strengthening of relations with Serbia.

"Strengthening NATO-Serbia relations would benefit both the Alliance, Serbia, and the entire region. We expect Serbia to engage constructively with NATO and its neighbors, including its public communications about the mutual benefits of NATO cooperation and of Serbia", the statement underlines.

NATO emphasizes that it supports dialogue with the support of the EU and other efforts aimed at normalizing relations between Belgrade and Pristina.

"We call on the parties to take advantage of the moment and engage in good faith towards achieving a lasting political solution. We call on both sides to immediately de-escalate, return to dialogue and constructively engage in the implementation of the agreement on the normalization path between Belgrade and Pristina that was recently reached in Brussels and Ohrid ", states NATO.

The leaders of the Western military alliance emphasize that they remain committed to NATO's continued engagement in Kosovo, including through the NATO-led KFOR Mission.

"KFOR will continue to ensure a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement in Kosovo in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1244. Recent escalating actions are unacceptable and we condemn the violence in the north of Kosovo, as well as the unprovoked attacks that caused serious injuries to NATO soldiers. We have increased the presence of KFOR troops to respond to recurring tensions. Any changes in the posture of our forces in KFOR will remain condition-based, not calendar-based," NATO announced.