North Atlantic Council in Brussels (FOTO: AP)
The NATO allies value partnership with Serbia and believe that strengthening NATO-Serbia relations would be of benefit to the Alliance, to Serbia, and to the whole region, it is said in a communiqué issued by the heads of states and governments who participated in the North Atlantic Council in Brussels on June 14.
“We support the EU-facilitated dialogue and other efforts aimed at the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, and urge the sides to seize the moment and engage in good faith towards reaching a lasting political solution,” the release said.
“We remain committed to NATO’s continued engagement in Kosovo, including through the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) which contributes to a safe and secure environment and to wider stability in the Western Balkans, and through ongoing capacity building efforts with the Kosovo security organizations. Any changes to our force posture in KFOR remain conditions-based and not calendar-driven,” according to the release published on the NATO website.
The summit participants further said that “the Western Balkans is a region of strategic importance for NATO, as highlighted by our long history of cooperation and operations. NATO remains strongly committed to the security and stability of the Western Balkans and to supporting the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of the countries in the region. We will intensify our efforts in the region and enhance our political dialogue and practical cooperation in order to support reform efforts, promote regional peace and security, and counter the malign influence of outside actors.”
The NATO leaders stressed that democratic values, the rule of law, domestic reforms, and good neighborly relations were vital for regional cooperation and Euro-Atlantic integration, adding they looked to continued progress in this regard.
They also expressed strong support to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a stable and secure Bosnia and Herzegovina in accordance with the Dayton Peace Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina and other relevant international agreements.
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