Pristina, 23 December 2024 — Antonio Tajani, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, is on an official visit to Kosovo today. During his stay, Tajani will meet with Italian troops stationed in Kosovo as part of the KFOR mission, as well as senior officials including General Enrico Barduani, the Italian commander of KFOR, and General Giovanni Pietro Barbano, the head of the EULEX mission.
According to a statement issued by Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there are no plans for Tajani to meet with representatives of Kosovo’s government during his visit.
“The primary goal of Minister Tajani’s visit is to meet the Italian contingent deployed in Kosovo ahead of the Christmas holiday,” the Ministry’s statement read. It was further reported by Radio Kosovo and Italian media outlets.
In a statement ahead of his trip, Tajani expressed his pride in conveying Italy’s appreciation for the soldiers stationed in Kosovo. “It is a great honor to extend the greetings of the Italian government to the men and women serving in the KFOR mission,” Tajani said. “Our sincere gratitude goes out to all Italian soldiers around the world who dedicate themselves to the cause of peace and international security, especially during the holiday season, when many wish to be home with their loved ones.”
The statement also reiterated the importance of the KFOR mission for regional stability. “KFOR plays a central role in ensuring peace and stability in Kosovo and the broader Balkans region,” Tajani added. “Italy remains committed to supporting Kosovo’s European Union accession prospects.”
Italy has been a key contributor to KFOR since the mission’s inception, and it remains the largest contributor in terms of personnel. Italy assumed command of KFOR from Turkey on October 11, further underscoring the country’s pivotal role in the region’s security dynamics.
Tajani’s visit highlights Italy’s continued strategic interest in the stability of the Western Balkans and its ongoing support for Kosovo’s European integration ambitions.
