Security experts have welcomed the announcement of plans to begin talks between Kosovo and the United States on transforming Camp Bondsteel into a permanent U.S. military base in Kosovo.
The announcement regarding the planned talks was made by Kosovo’s Minister of Defence, Ejup Maqedonci.
Security expert Fatmir Qollaku said the initiative marks the beginning of a formalized bilateral security cooperation framework between Kosovo and the United States.
Speaking on the InfoNata programme, Qollaku said the cooperation could establish the largest U.S. military base in the Balkans, which he described as a response to Serbia’s military buildup, supported by Russia and China.
“I consider this the strongest encouragement made public so far and a sign of consistent U.S. support for Kosovo. This marks the beginning of legitimizing bilateral cooperation between the United States and Kosovo in the field of security. The United States is taking a distinct approach compared with other NATO members in its cooperation with Kosovo, particularly regarding the transformation of Bondsteel into a permanent and strong base—the largest in the Balkans—which would serve as a response to Serbia. The United States wants to remain here,” Qollaku said.
Security expert Nuredin Ibishi also described the initiative positively.
Ibishi said the idea was not new and that discussions about such cooperation had begun some time ago.
“Camp Bondsteel is the largest American NATO base. This is a very good initiative, and discussions have been underway for some time. There had also been previous proposals to establish it as a bilateral base,” Ibishi stated.
He added that such an arrangement could contribute to strengthening and expanding the capabilities of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF). According to Ibishi, cooperation with the United States would also involve costs, but he believes the benefits would justify them.
The experts’ comments follow remarks made by Defence Minister Ejup Maqedonci on Thursday during the InfoNata programme on Tëvë1, in which he said Kosovo and the United States are expected to begin talks soon on the possibility of transforming Camp Bondsteel into a permanent U.S. military base.
