NATO Secretary General arrives on KiM: "Our troops work tirelessly"

After a meeting with the president of the temporary Pristina institutions Vjosa Osmani in Pristina, Rutte said that he understands that this requires difficult decisions and added that the "bigger picture" must be looked at and that both parties should focus on long-term benefits.

"It is the only way to solve the unresolved issues and ensure a stable future and protect all communities," Rutte said, according to Koha.

Rutte pointed out that NATO is committed to stability and peace in Kosovo and Metohija and in the region.

"NATO has supported peace and stability in the Western Balkan region for 30 years now. Our commitment remains strong today, spearheaded by KFOR," Rutte said, referring to NATO's Kosovo Force peacekeeping mission.

"Our troops work tirelessly to ensure an orderly and safe environment in accordance with the mandate of KFOR. We are ready to respond to any security development," Rutte said at a joint press conference with Osmani.

"NATO will continue to fully support the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, led by the European Union."

Rutte said the dialogue, "is the only way to solve pending issues and secure a stable future, ensuring that the rights of all communities are respected and safeguarded."

"Normalization brings greater stability, more investment opportunities, and also lasting security across the whole region, for the benefit of all," Rutte said.

Rute also said that NATO is in close contact with the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić.

"I will be very direct... we can only have peace in the region together. There must be a political solution, which requires the leadership of all politicians. We must work together," Rutte said.

Osmani stated that Pristina reached the allocation of two percent of GDP for security and reiterated the position of the temporary institutions that Pristina should get a seat in the Alliance. After the meeting with Osmani, Rutte also met with the prime minister of the temporary institutions of Pristina, Albin Kurti.