Skopje, 22 November 2023 (MIA) - The Western Balkans are strategically important to NATO, and even though there is no direct military threat against any of the countries in the region, there are still reasons for concern due to the rising tensions, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said at the joint press conference on Wednesday following the informal leaders meeting of NATO Allies from the region.

“We see secessionist threats in Bosnia-Herzegovina, a fragile security situation in Kosovo. And stalled normalisation between Belgrade and Prishtina. On top of this, authoritarian states like Russia seek to undermine our democracies with cyber and hybrid threats, Stoltenberg said after the meeting attended by PM Dimitar Kovachevski, Presidents of Albania and Croatia, Edi Rama and Zoran Milanović, as well as Miloš Spajić, the Prime Minister of Montenegro.

According to Stoltenberg, there is concern within NATO regarding the developments in certain countries in the Western Balkans, and therefore, the strength and importance of the Alliance in the region must be acknowledged.

“NATO has been present in this region for many years. In Kosovo, we have already increased our presence with around 1,000 extra troops and also with some heavier armour. We are vigilant and we are closely monitoring the situation. And we will always do what is necessary to protect and defend all our allies,” Stoltenberg said.

He emphasized that for NATO, the ways of cooperation with partners in the region are crucial in stabilizing the Alliance's neighbourhood.

“But this more about how to work with our partners in the region, how to help to stabilize our neighbourhood, because when our neighbours are more stable we are more secure. And therefore it has been very useful for me to sit down with other leaders from the region to improve our analysis and to share our assessments because that helps us to get a better common understanding all the way forward,” Stoltenberg said, adding “The Western Balkans are core business for NATO, we are allies and partners in the region, we have history here, we have presence here, and we have a responsibility to help to ensure peace and prosperity and therefore this meeting was important.”

“I have just completed a tour of the region. In every stop, I made clear that stability in the Western Balkans depends on all sides choosing dialogue and diplomacy over conflict and chaos. Ending secessionist rhetoric would boost stability and enable reforms in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Re-engaging in the EU-facilitated dialogue is essential to Belgrade’s and Prishtina’s path to peace and prosperity. The latest proposals for the establishment of the association of Serb-majority municipalities in Kosovo could be an important step forward. It is time to overcome regional conflicts that have continued for far too long,” Stoltenberg noted.

In this regard, Stoltenberg said that Republic of North Macedonia is a valued NATO Ally, making important contributions to our shared security.

“North Macedonia also leads by example as a successful multi-ethnic society. Demonstrating how people from different ethnic and religious groups and backgrounds can live together in peace. And build a country together,” he added.

“We also discussed Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine. There are no signs that Putin wants to negotiate or stop fighting. So I commend NATO Allies present here today for providing vital support to Ukraine. This is even more important when the situation on the battlefield is so difficult,” Stoltenberg said.

“In a few months’ time, we will mark NATO’s 75th anniversary. And at our next Summit in Washington, we will continue to adapt our Alliance for the future. We will strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defence. Address growing geostrategic competition. And maintain momentum in NATO’s support to and relations with Ukraine,” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said.

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