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The Secretary General wrapped up a four-day visit to the Western Balkans, reaffirming NATO’s commitment to keeping peace and stability in the region

The NATO Secretary General wrapped-up a four-day visit to the Western Balkans where he met with Leaders from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Serbia and North Macedonia and visited personnel from Allied and partner countries who are working for the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR), NATO Headquarters in Sarajevo, and NATO’s Military Liaison Office in Belgrade.
The Secretary General reaffirmed the region’s strategic importance to NATO and the Alliance’s steadfast commitment to safeguard peace and stability.
He highlighted that KFOR continues to implement its UN mandate to provide a safe and secure environment for all communities living in Kosovo.
He also stressed that ending secessionist rhetoric would boost stability and reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina, underlined the importance of NATO’s partnership with Serbia, and called for Belgrade and Pristina to reengage with the EU-facilitated dialogue for the normalisation of their relations. In Skopje, the Secretary General hailed the contributions to Euro-Atlantic security by North Macedonia – a NATO Ally since 2020 - and praised the country’s successful multi-ethnic society, which shows that it is possible for different ethnic and religious groups to live together in peace.
He also met with Allied leaders from the Western Balkans. Hosted by the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, the meeting was attended by the Prime Minister of Albania, the President of Croatia, and the Prime Minister of Montenegro.

NATO IS COMMITTED

TO HELPING MAINTAIN SECURITY IN THE WESTERN BALKANS

Jens Stoltenberg
NATO Secretary General

Allies strongly support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. So we are concerned by secessionist and divisive rhetoric. All political leaders must work to preserve unity. This is crucial for the stability and the security of the country.


THE NATO SECRETARY GENERAL
WRAPPED UP A FOUR-DAY VISIT

TO BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
KOSOVO AND SERBIA

Jens Stoltenberg
NATO Secretary General
‘KFOR has ensured a safe and secure environment in Kosovo for all communities. We will continue to do so impartially and in line with our UN mandate.’

THE SECRETARY GENERAL REAFFIRMED NATO’S GOAL

TO MAINTAIN PEACE AND STABILITY IN THE REGION

Jens Stoltenberg
NATO Secretary General

Stability in the region depends on all sides choosing diplomacy over violence. NATO strongly supports the EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.
And both sides must engage in good faith.

HE ALSO VISITED NORTH MACEDONIA

Jens Stoltenberg
NATO Secretary General

Today, North Macedonia is an example of a successful multi-ethnic society. You demonstrate to the region and to the whole world that it is possible for different ethnic and religious groups to live together in peace.
That there are real alternatives to violence.

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