NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, stated that stability in Kosovo, Bosnia, and Serbia is in NATO’s interest.
He made this statement at Comenius University in Bratislava, where he was asked about changes in U.S. foreign policy, rumors that the U.S. might withdraw its troops and leave its military base in Kosovo, and whether there is a risk of conflict in the region, as reported by Vijesti.ba.
“Fortunately, for many years now, we have had solid stability in that part of Europe, in the Western Balkans, and we must maintain that. I have no reason to believe there will be dramatic announcements or general changes in the Western Balkans. We must ensure that we keep an eye on this, because stability in Kosovo, stability in Bosnia, and stability in Serbia are in our interest,” said Rutte.
He added that, of course, they are aware of some issues where “we must be very cautious in Bosnia.”
“I am in continuous contact with all the key leaders there. I had the opportunity to speak with two of the three members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Munich Security Conference, and I will visit the region in March.
So, step by step, we are really trying to maintain stability. And this is important because it is a region that has a history of instability, and fortunately, now, for many years, we have had strong stability, forged in that part of Europe, in the Western Balkans, and we must maintain that,” said Rutte.
