Rutte: NATO supports peace and stability in the Western Balkans

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated at a joint conference with Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani that NATO supports peace and stability in the Western Balkans.

Rutte emphasized that the Alliance is committed to peace and stability.

"I am pleased to see you here in Pristina. It is a pleasure to visit our KFOR mission in Kosovo. Our goal is to demonstrate our commitment to peace and stability in Kosovo. NATO has supported peace and stability in the Western Balkans for 30 years. KFOR is our longest-running mission, and currently, under the leadership of General Özkan Ulutaş, our mission operates here in Kosovo, supporting a safe and secure environment, as well as all organizations dedicated to security," Rutte said.

He stressed that decades of peace must not be jeopardized.

"That is why we look forward to continuing our cooperation with KFOR in Pristina, and within our mandate, we will play our role here. Stability in the region depends on all sides choosing diplomacy over violence. We fully support the process of normalization between Kosovo and Serbia under EU leadership because it is the only path to security. All parties must show flexibility and engage in dialogue to move the process forward. Normalization contributes to the stability and security of the region and all who live here," Rutte stated.

Rutte added that every solution must be political and that peace in the region can only be maintained collectively.

"We must ensure that all sides in the region are willing to engage in dialogue. That is why I visited Sarajevo yesterday, and today I visited Kosovo and KFOR. I am very grateful for the warm welcome, as it is important for me to discuss matters with KFOR. I also spoke with Aleksandar Vučić over the phone, and he will soon travel to Brussels. Only collectively and through unity can we maintain peace in this region. The solution for all must be political. Here, you have a president who has influence in the region, and the same applies to the leadership in Sarajevo and Aleksandar Vučić," Rutte said.

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani emphasized that regional stability is closely tied to Euro-Atlantic integration.

"We will continue to be a reliable partner in the face of hybrid threats," Osmani said.

She reiterated that regional stability is closely linked to Euro-Atlantic integration.

"It is time for Kosovo to take its place in the Alliance, contributing to regional stability as a dedicated member," Osmani stated.

Osmani expressed hope that Kosovo would soon stand alongside other NATO member states.

"This nation was saved by NATO 25 years ago, and now it eagerly awaits to be part of NATO," Osmani said.

She also accused Belgrade of seeking to destabilize not only Kosovo but the entire region.

"Serbia continues to undermine efforts for peace and stability," she stated.