NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte reaffirmed the alliance’s commitment to Kosovo’s security during a visit to Pristina on Tuesday, stressing that dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia remains the only path to resolving outstanding disputes.
Rutte met with local leaders and NATO-led peacekeeping forces, which make up the alliance’s largest and longest-running mission. Around 4,600 NATO troops are currently stationed in Kosovo, including approximately 600 from the United States.
“A secure Balkans means greater security across the Euro-Atlantic region,” Rutte said, warning that hard-earned peace must not be jeopardized. He emphasized that NATO’s KFOR mission is “fully prepared” to handle any security developments and will continue its cooperation with Pristina.
Rutte reiterated that long-term peace hinges on diplomacy, not violence. “The only lasting solution is political,” he said, pledging NATO’s support for the EU-led normalization talks between Belgrade and Pristina.
“For this dialogue to move forward, both sides must show flexibility, make necessary compromises, and focus on long-term benefits,” he added.
Rutte’s visit follows a trip to Bosnia, where tensions are rising after the Serb entity passed laws restricting state judicial and police powers in its territory.
