The Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Mark Rutte, who is expected to visit Kosovo today, stated that there are continuous communications with the leaders of Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, to reduce tensions in the region.
In an interview with Al Jazeera Balkans, Rutte said that Kosovo is a very important country, where NATO’s presence is strong through the KFOR troops.
“Kosovo is a very important country, where NATO has a strong presence through KFOR. It is important for all of us to be engaged to ensure that this country is in the best possible situation. There were elections there, and we will see how the new government will be formed. All of this is part of a normal democratic process, which is good. But the situation in the entire region is changing. I am in intensive communications, not only with the leaders of Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina, but last week I also spoke with Vučić, who is expected to be in Brussels next week. So, the communications are intensive to lower the tensions in the region.”
Speaking about the rising tensions in the region, Rutte said that what happened in Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1992 to 1995, and in Kosovo until 1999, must never be repeated again.
“What happened in this region, in Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1992 to 1995, and in Kosovo until 1999, must never happen again. This region has great potential. We want the young people who live here to stay here, be successful, open businesses, engage in political and academic circles, become great artists, and develop this country,” said Rutte to Al Jazeera Balkans.
Rutte is expected to be in Kosovo today, where he will meet with the country’s leaders, President Osmani and Prime Minister Kurti.
This is his first visit to Kosovo since he took over the leadership of NATO in October last year. He will be accompanied by ambassadors from the North Atlantic Council.
