NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited Kosovo for the first time since taking office, where he was briefed by KFOR Commander Major General Enrico Barduani on the current security situation in the country.
During a meeting with the North Atlantic Council (NAC), Rutte discussed NATO’s ongoing commitment to maintaining stability in Kosovo. Barduani highlighted KFOR’s continuous efforts to ensure a safe environment for all residents and to support the EU-mediated dialogue between Prishtina and Belgrade.
Additionally, Barduani met with ambassadors of KFOR-contributing nations, thanking them for their continued support of the mission and regional stability.
“KFOR continues to implement its mandate under UN Security Council Resolution 1244, contributing to a safe environment and ensuring freedom of movement for all people and communities in Kosovo. We closely cooperate with the Kosovo Police and the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) in their respective security roles,” KFOR stated.
Rutte also met with Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, Prime Minister Albin Kurti, and NATO peacekeeping troops. He emphasized that KFOR remains a stabilizing factor in Kosovo alongside the U.S. and reaffirmed NATO’s commitment to security in the region.
The NATO chief stated that the alliance is ready to respond to any security developments in Kosovo. However, he urged Kosovo and Serbia to show flexibility and make compromises in the dialogue process, cautioning leaders to ensure their actions align with prior commitments.
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