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Opening remarks by NATO Secretary General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen at the joint press point with Mr. Hashim Thaci, Pristina, Kosovo

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

03 Jul. 2013

Opening remarks

by NATO Secretary General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen at the joint press point with Mr. Hashim Thaci, Pristina, Kosovo

It is a pleasure to visit Pristina once again, together with the North Atlantic Council and representatives from non-NATO KFOR Contributing Nations. And I am glad to be here at such a hopeful time.

NATO has a vital interest in security and stability in the Western Balkans. That is why, since 1999, we have deployed thousands of troops to Kosovo to preserve a safe and secure environment for all people here, as mandated by the United Nations.

Today, I had the chance to thank the commander of KFOR, General Halbauer, and all the men and women under his command for their professionalism and commitment to our mission.

This is a time of great opportunity for Kosovo and for this region. I encourage all the leaders and the people from all communities to continue on the path of reconciliation and dialogue. Because we all know that this is the path to long-term security, and long-term prosperity.

That is why I welcome the landmark agreement on normalising relations between Belgrade and Pristina. And I welcome the cooperation that will be put in place in order to implement it.

This is a very important step. I congratulate all those who helped to make it happen – including the leaders here in Pristina and in Belgrade, and the European Union.

This agreement offers the hope of a better life, and a better future, for people across this region. It is vital to make sure that the agreement is duly implemented and that hope is fulfilled.

The future of this region lies in moving forward. And in moving closer to European integration. Today we see that local institutions are increasingly capable, and we welcome that.

NATO and our partners in KFOR will continue to guarantee security here. We will remain ready to deal with any attempts to undermine the progress that has been made.

We will continue to work closely with the local institutions, the European Union, the United Nations and other international organisations, to help develop a stable, democratic, multi-ethnic and peaceful Kosovo.

Because peace and security here will benefit everyone in the region, and will take us closer to our goal: a Europe that is whole, free, and at peace.

Thank you.