Defence Ministers agree: KFOR to remain as long as necessary
NATO Defence Ministers met with counterparts from non-NATO KFOR contributing nations for an exchange of views on the Alliance’s mission in Kosovo.
Ministers took stock of progress achieved in the mission and of the improvements in the general security situation in Kosovo towards more stability and stronger local institutions. They agreed that the transition of KFOR into a smaller and more mobile force is going in the right direction.
Ministers also agreed that KFOR will remain in place as long as necessary.
“Security in Kosovo remains vital to security in the Western Balkans and in Europe,” the Secretary General said. “There should be no doubt: NATO, and our KFOR partners, will remain fully committed to peace and stability in Kosovo and in the region”.
Ministers also discussed the next step in the transition process to further troop reductions. They agreed that a decision on this issue will be taken in the future based on a military assessment that conditions are right. They reiterated that KFOR will remain robust and fully capable of carrying out its responsibilities in Kosovo throughout the entire process of gradual troop reductions.