KFOR Commander Ulutas stresses NATO's role in Balkans

Following his visit to NATO headquarters in Brussels, NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) Commander Major General Ozkan Ulutas delivered a video message to the public, emphasizing the important role of KFOR in maintaining regional stability.

"KFOR is a concrete and tangible manifestation of NATO's unwavering commitment to regional peace," Ulutas said.

During his visit to Brussels, Ulutas met with the NATO secretary general and ambassadors and briefed them on KFOR's ongoing activities and future priorities. "I just returned from Brussels, where I had a very productive visit to NATO," said Ulutas.

Ulutas provided an update on the current security dynamics in Kosovo and the wider Balkans region, as well as outlined KFOR's objectives for the coming weeks and months. He reiterated key messages conveyed during their meeting.

KFOR's crucial role in maintaining regional stability

He underlined the unwavering support of NATO allies and partners and emphasized KFOR's determination to ensure a secure environment and freedom of movement for all communities in Kosovo.

Underlining the importance of KFOR as NATO's longest-running mission and also the largest in terms of the number of troops, Ulutas reaffirmed the critical role it plays in regional stability. He underlined that KFOR is a concrete demonstration of NATO's enduring commitment to support stability in the region.

In the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, Ulutas emphasized the need for a political solution that respects the rights of all communities in Kosovo. He reaffirmed NATO and KFOR's full support of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and stressed the importance of constructive engagement and avoiding destabilizing actions.

Turkish Major General Ulutas took over in October last year. Ulutas is the first Turkish citizen to head KFOR at a time when the situation in Kosovo is becoming increasingly serious. He is expected to serve until October 2024.

Source: Newsroom